President William Ruto has come under sharp criticism over his growing list of advisors, despite a promise to reduce them following the anti-finance bill protests in 2024. Speaking on May 6, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi defended the President, stating that there is no limit to the number of advisors he should have.
In July 2024, Ruto promised to reduce the cost of running the government by cutting the number of advisors by half.
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“The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50 percent within the public service with immediate effect,” he said.
Mbadi stated that the President’s directive has been implemented, and the number of government advisors has been slashed by 50%.
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However, he noted that the circular issued by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei did not affect the presidency.
He explained that only the President can issue a circular that impacts the operations of the entire government.
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“That has been done religiously. That circular did not affect the presidency because the Treasury CS cannot issue a circular to the president,” he said.
“The government position that is binding to the entire government, including the office of the president, is a circular from the office of the president.”
Additionally, Mbadi mentioned that such a mistake could imply that the President is running a chaotic government.
Also Read: Full List of President William Ruto’s 15 Advisors and Their Specialties
Constitution Gives No Limit
The CS stated he does not have the power to choose Ruto’s advisors, but the Constitution allows him to select them.
“I don’t have the authority to hire advisors for the president. I don’t want us to go beyond my paycheck,” he said.
He maintained that the law only limits the number of CSs and not the President’s advisors.
“The law allows the president to hire advisors. There is no provision in terms of numbers. The people of Kenya didn’t give. What the people of Kenya did was allocate to the president the maximum number of cabinet secretaries. But in terms of advisors, if you go to the law, it is left open,” he said.
Also Read: Win for Workers as Ruto Issues Fresh Orders Over 6% Salary Increase
Mbadi Says Circular Was Implemented
However, Mbadi noted that advisors in all other government departments were reduced as directed.
He stated he only has one advisor while his predecessor, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, had two.
“All advisors were cut by at least 50%. I only have one advisor. My predecessor had two,” he said.
“I don’t know whether it is enough, but I’m surviving. I have technical people who support me.”
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