Kenya’s Parliament is on the verge of resurrecting the controversial Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions, nearly eight months after they were deemed unconstitutional by a three-judge bench. The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly has endorsed the reestablishment of the CAS office, emphasizing its importance in enhancing government coordination.
The committee’s recommendation proposes limiting the number of CAS positions to twenty-two, with appointments to be made by the President upon the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC). These appointments are intended to ensure a balanced representation across regions and genders.
The proposed amendments also outline strict qualifications for aspiring CAS, requiring candidates to hold a Bachelor’s degree, possess prior experience in public service, and adhere to constitutional standards of leadership and integrity. Disqualifications include past criminal convictions, bankruptcy, holding political party office, or impeachment.
Despite dissenting voices raising concerns about potential redundancies and the resemblance of CAS roles to defunct assistant minister positions, the majority of the committee has endorsed the move. The fate of the CAS office now hinges on the national assembly’s vote, which will shape the future landscape of Kenya’s public service amidst ongoing legal challenges.