Former nominated Member of Parliament, Wilson Sossion, and Laikipia woman representative, Cate Waruguru, are among prominent leaders who failed to meet the cut for the Principal Secretaries jobs.
The duo were among 9154 candidates who applied for the positions in a list of applicants released by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Also axed in the shortlisted candidates were government spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna and Root's party running mate, Justina Wamae.
Applications submitted by President William Ruto's allies, Irungu Nyakera, EALA MP Simon Mbugua and former Mining Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) John Mosonik were also rejected.
Mbugua vied for the Starehe Parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket but lost to Alex Mwango of Jubilee in the August 9 polls.
Raila Odinga's allies, former MPs Omingo Magara (South Mugirango) Martin Ogindo (Rangwe) and Agostinho Neto(Ndhiwa MP) also failed to meet the qualifications PSC set for the positions.
The commission did not indicate reasons that cost the prominent Kenyans the positions.
Out of the 9154 candidates, PSC only shortlisted 585 applicants who are scheduled to face the interview panel.
The interviews began yesterday - October 12, with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati's wife, Mary Wanyonyi, among those who first appeared for the first interviews.
Notable Kenyans yet to face the interview panel include IEBC commissioner Boya Molu, PSs Esther Koimett (Broadcasting and Telecommunications), Peter Kaberia (Industrialisation) and Julius Jwan (Education).
The interviews are scheduled to end on October 22 before the names of successful applicants are submitted to Ruto for appointment.