President William Ruto is now seeking public participation in the controversial position of Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS).
The public has been asked to submit their views to the Secretary of Public Service Commission (PSC) by October 6, 2022, in a move that appeared to be aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing scramble for the Hustler’s cake ahead of the unveiling of Cabinet.
“The PSC has invited members of the public to submit their views on the proposed establishment of the position of CAS. The views in writing should be addressed to the Secretary, Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30095, 00100, Nairobi or hand delivered to the Commission’s offices at Commission House, not later than October 6, 2022,” reads a memo to the press release.
According to the Commission Chairperson Anthony Muchiri, they were acting on behalf of the head of state, who proposed establishing the CAS positions in accordance with Article 132(4)(a) of the Constitution.
“The President has proposed to establish the offices of Chief Administrative Secretary which will be offices in the public service and will be under the direction of Cabinet Secretaries,” he said.
Unlike during ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, when individuals holding CAS positions were never recruited by PSC, the Commission says it will do so this time through a competitive process.
“The Commission will recommend persons to hold the position of Chief Administrative Secretary for appointment through a competitive recruitment process that shall culminate in a nomination by the President and vetting by the National Assembly,” said PSC chairman in a statement released to the newsrooms.
In what appeared to be a corrective measure to the Jubilee regime’s mistakes, where the roles of the CAS were unclear, the PSC announced that they will be responding to sensitive issues within their ministries.
“The functions of CAS will entail responding to issues touching on the portfolio assigned to the office; Providing liaison with the National Assembly and Senate; Providing liaison with County Governments on matters of concurrent mandate and common interest; Providing inter-ministerial /sectoral co-ordination,” Mr Muchiri said.
Other responsibilities of the CAS will include representing the Cabinet Secretary (CS) at any meeting as directed by the CS and carrying out any other duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to the office by the CS in furtherance of the ministry’s interests, according to Mr Muchiri.
Interested applicants will be required to possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
They will also be expected to demonstrate the ability to manage the administrative-political interface, articulate public policies, and programs, and undertake complex and high-pressure tasks that require engagements with multi-institutions and other public officers/offices among others.
The CASs positions were created by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 when he rewarded the majority of his cronies who lost in the 2017 General Election.
