Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale now says he has no advisers to drop after the Head of Public Service revised the number of advisers permitted for a minister from two to one.
He remarked following Felix Koskei’s memo circulated on Wednesday which directed Cabinet Secretaries to share the name of the adviser they wished to retain following a presidential directive cutting the number of advisers in government by 50 per cent.
Duale who endorsed the move said he did not retain any adviser citing sufficient capacity at the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“I have no advisers to submit as the men and women at the helm of Defense headquarters’ leadership have the required training, knowledge, and experience to give me strategic advice and guidance to steer the Ministry,” Duale declared.
Koskei issued a letter saying the move is part of the austerity measures announced by President William Ruto to cut government spending.
“It is notified that His Excellency the President directed that the number of advisors in government be reduced by 50% with immediate effect. By dint of that Presidential Action, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one,” read the letter in part.
Koskei added, “Consequently, you are requested to assess the requirements of your office and indicate the advisor you would wish to retain to support you in the discharge of your portfolio mandate. Any advisors beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the Public Service,” Koskei stated.
Further, he asked the CSs to submit the full names of the advisors who will be retained to PSC and send a copy to his office, by Thursday, July 11, 2024.
