Hours after President William Ruto dissolved his cabinet, a vocal and influential section of Kenya’s youth, known as Gen Z, has outlined the minimum qualifications for the next Cabinet Secretaries.
The comprehensive list reflects their commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability, signaling a desire for substantial changes in governance.
Ruto dissolved his cabinet on July 11, 2024, sparking mixed reactions from various sectors of society, but none as detailed and demanding as the one from Gen Z.
In a poster titled “GENZ AND H.E RUTO HIRING THE NEXT CSS,” outlines a series of qualifications that they believe are essential for the new appointees.
GenZ Qualifications for New Cabinet Secretaries
Candidates must be Kenyan citizens of sound mind, aged between 25 and 60 years.
However, aspiring Cabinet Secretaries must have a clean record free from corruption or any adverse mention in both local and international reports.
“Individuals should not have been sued for any criminal or civil matter involving fraud or theft,” part of the poster read.
Additionally, candidates must provide proof of wealth accumulation that aligns with their tax declarations over the past decade.
They should not have made any statements or performed actions that disparage Kenya, its sovereignty, or its Constitution.
Also Read: Goodbye Ruto: Ex-CSs Share Exit Messages After Being Fired
Applicants must also possess knowledge and experience relevant to the ministry for which they are being considered.
Candidates should not be relatives, campaigners, or friends of President Ruto.
Additional Requirements
Gen Z further stated that potential Cabinet Secretaries must be willing to undergo public scrutiny, including investigations by Gen Z and accept the revised salary of Ksh600,000.
Additionally, Cabinet Secretaries must use a Toyota Corolla or a vehicle of similar capacity for official duties and forego special security details unless they are Ministers of Defense or Interior, who are allowed only one additional security vehicle.
“Avoid using priority traffic measures, special lights, or sirens,” the poster further noted.
Notably, Gen Z insists that individuals who have previously served as Cabinet Secretaries or Principal Secretaries in past governments, including Ruto’s, should not be considered for reappointment.
Constitution on Cabinet Secretary in Kenya
The qualifications for a Cabinet Secretary in Kenya are explicitly outlined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
According to Article 152 of the Constitution, the President appoints Cabinet Secretaries with the approval of the National Assembly.
To qualify for appointment as a Cabinet Secretary, one must satisfy the following requirements:
The individual must be a citizen of Kenya and they must exhibit high moral character and integrity.
The Constitution mandates that a Cabinet Secretary must possess the necessary educational qualifications and professional competence to serve.
This generally implies having a degree from a recognized university and significant experience in their respective fields.
At the time of appointment, a Cabinet Secretary should not be a Member of Parliament or hold any other state or public office. This ensures that the role remains non-partisan and focused on executive responsibilities.
Article 152 (3) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 specifically states: “A Cabinet Secretary shall not be a Member of Parliament.” This provision was introduced to separate the executive from the legislature, aiming to enhance accountability and reduce conflicts of interest.
Ruto Dissolving Cabinet
This comes after a series of protests led by Gen Z demanding for dissolution of the Cabinet and make changes in his government.
In the unprecedented move, Ruto also sacked Attorney General Justin Muturi but spared Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Also Read: Omtatah Gives Demands to Ruto Over His Criminals Remarks
He made the announcement on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at State House Nairobi in a State of the nation address.
The Head of State however noted that the Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will not be affected by the dismissal of CSs.
“Upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have, in line with the powers given to me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General from the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,” said Ruto
Public Expectations
As President Ruto embarks on the task of appointing a new cabinet, the eyes of the nation, particularly its younger generation, are keenly focused on whether he will heed these stringent but reflective demands.
The ultimate composition of the new cabinet will not only shape the immediate political landscape but also signal the administration’s responsiveness to the calls for reform and the growing influence of Kenya’s youth in national politics.
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