President William Ruto's Cabinet on Wednesday, June 27, resolved to allow United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala and Economic Advisor David Ndii to attend cabinet meetings.
National Security Advisor Monica Juma and Women's Rights Advisor Harriette Chiggai were other government officials cleared for the meetings.
Chiggai was approved for the position to champion women's interests at the meetings.
"In line with getting women's issues at the centre of his administration, President Ruto cleared the Advisor on Women Rights, Harriette Chiggai, to attend the meetings.
"Advisors Monica Juma (National Security Advisor), David Ndii (Chairperson of Council of Economic Advisors) and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala will also attend," read the Cabinet briefs in part.
In his new capacity, Malala will be tasked with championing the party's manifesto in decision-making.
Ruto's latest change mirrors that adopted by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta who cleared former Jubilee Secretary General Rafael Tuju to attend Cabinet meetings during his second term.
In his position, Tuju - who served as a CS without a portfolio - was tasked with monitoring the performance of Cabinet Secretaries from a third person's view.
Ruto is expected to face opposition over his latest decision. According to Article 152 of Kenya's 2010 Constitution, the Cabinet consists of the President, the Deputy President, the Attorney-General and CSs.
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet also attend the meetings.
Other Decisions
Regarding pending bills, the cabinet approved the formation of a committee tasked with verifying the Ksh481 billion owed to suppliers and contractors by the National Government.
"The Committee will consist of the Attorney General, the State Department of Roads, the State Department of Public Works, the State Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Engineers of Kenya and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya will also be part of it," the Cabinet decided.
Ruto's Cabinet also approved the establishment of decentralised offices of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice.
"This will ensure that services are accessible to the people at the grassroots at a minimal cost," the brief read in part.
