President William Ruto has moved to trim the powers of Cabinet Secretaries who served in former Head of State Uhuru Kenyatta's government.
The outgoing CSs will have to seek permission from the President before travelling overseas - no matter the nature of their visit.
In a statement dated Monday, September 19, and signed by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, the CSs and Principal Secretaries (PSs) were also directed to remain in office until their replacement have been appointed by the fifth President.
He noted that the directive was in place to allow for a smooth transition from the fourth regime to the fifth administration that has been in place for slightly over a week.
"It is therefore reiterated that the tenure of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries currently in Office will only lapse on appointment and swearing-in of a successor Cabinet Secretary or Principal Secretary as the case may be by the Head of State and Government; or upon a reorganization of Government by His Excellency the President that affects a particular docket.
"Foreign Travel by Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries is further suspended unless as sanctioned by the Head of State and Government," the statement read.
Kinyua further limited ministerial mandate during the transition period to just general administration and stewardship over the ministerial portfolio.
For instance, CSs were also barred from appointing members of board management of state corporations or state agencies as well as from effecting any ministerial redeployments or any new appointments in any ranks within ministries and state departments.
"Ministries, State Departments, and State Agencies (MDAs) shall not issue any new policy pronouncements unless as sanctioned by H.E. the President.
"Ministries, State Departments, and State Agencies (MDAs) shall not effect payments exceeding Ksh 50 million without the prior approval of and verification by The National Treasury," added the statement.
A source close to the President had confided in Kenyans.co.ke that the President, who is on a tour in the United States, plans to unveil his list of CS nominees immediately he jets back into the country.
According to the source, former Tharaka Senator, Kithure Kindiki, is likely to succeed Interior CS Fred Matiang'i in an announcement that is expected to send shock waves across the country.
The Director of Communications in Ruto's presidential campaign, Hussein Mohammed, is also rumoured to be fronted for a CS seat.
In an interview on KTN News, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had hinted that his boss, would unveil his cabinet in two weeks time.
