On Thursday, July 11, President William Ruto fired the Cabinet, paving the door for the formation of a “broad-based government.”
The President stated that he acted following an exhaustive review of the Cabinet’s performance.
Ruto stated that he will consult many sectors and political formations to select those who might help him accelerate Kenya’s transition.
He stated that he was eager to adopt radical measures to combat corruption, debt, domestic resources, jobs and waste in government.
“During this process, the operations of the government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials,” he said.
Speaking during a press conference at State House Nairobi, Ruto stated that the offices of the Deputy President, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs remain unaffected.
Following the dismissal of the Cabinet, Ruto will nominate new CSs who will then be vetted and approved by the National Assembly.
According to the Constitution, the Cabinet consists of the President, the Deputy President, the Attorney-General and not fewer than fourteen and not more than twenty-two Cabinet Secretaries.
While picking a new Cabinet, Ruto shall nominate people for the vacant positions and subsequently notify the National Assembly.
The Speaker of the National Assembly will then communicate to the House paving way for the National Assembly Appointments Committee to kick-off the vetting process.
The Committee which is chaired by the Speakers of the National Assembly will conduct the vetting process within 28 days.
After a successful vetting process, the CS nominees will be appointed by Ruto and later sworn into office.
During the vetting process, the committee has its focus on the nominees’ academic credentials, professional training and experience as well as personal integrity and background.
While a CS assumes office by swearing or affirming faithfulness to the people and the Republic of Kenya, they may resign by delivering a written statement of resignation to the President.
On the other hand, the President may re-assign a CS, may dismiss a CS and shall dismiss a CS if required to do so by a resolution adopted under clauses (6) to (10).
Additionally, a member of the National Assembly, supported by at least one-quarter of all the members of the Assembly, may propose a motion requiring the President to dismiss a CS.
A CS may be dismissed on grounds of a gross violation of a provision of this Constitution or of any other law or where there are serious reasons for believing that the CS has committed a crime under national or international law.
A CS can also be dismissed on grounds of gross misconduct.
