In Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary is a high-ranking government official who heads a government ministry. The Cabinet Secretary is appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly.
The role of the Cabinet Secretary is to oversee the implementation of government policies, programs, and projects within their respective ministry. They also advise the President on matters relating to their ministry and coordinate the activities of the ministry with other government agencies.
The CS is responsible for managing the budget and resources allocated to their ministry, as well as ensuring that the ministry operates efficiently and effectively. They also represent the government in meetings, conferences, and other forums related to their area of responsibility.
In addition to their administrative duties, CSs are also responsible for implementing policies and regulations within their ministry, by the law. They are accountable to the President and the National Assembly for their performance and must provide regular reports on the activities of their ministry.
Some of the current Cabinet Secretaries in Kenya include the Cabinet Secretary for Health, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, among others.
Requirements To Be A CS In Kenya
To be appointed as a CS in Kenya, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- Kenyan citizenship – The Constitution of Kenya requires that all Cabinet Secretaries must be Kenyan citizens by birth.
- Aged above 21 years – The individual must be at least 21 years old.
- University degree – The individual must hold a university degree from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the ministry they are being appointed to head.
- Good character – The individual must have a good reputation and be of good character. This is determined through a vetting process by the relevant government agency.
- Experience – The individual must have relevant experience in their area of expertise. This may include work experience, professional qualifications, or other related qualifications.
- Leadership skills – The individual must have demonstrated leadership skills in their previous roles or positions.
- Political affiliation – The individual must be a political party member or be politically neutral.
Once appointed, the CS takes an oath of office and loyalty to the Republic of Kenya and is accountable to the President and the National Assembly. They serve at the president’s pleasure and can be dismissed at any time.
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Roles Of Cabinet Secretary In Kenya
The CS in Kenya plays a crucial role in the government. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary include:
- Policy development and implementation: The Cabinet Secretary is responsible for developing policies and strategies that guide the operations of their respective ministry. They are also tasked with overseeing the implementation of the policies and strategies to ensure that they achieve their intended objectives.
- Resource management: The Cabinet Secretary is responsible for managing the resources allocated to their ministry, including the budget, personnel, and assets. They must ensure that the resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the ministry’s objectives.
- Coordination of government programs and projects: The Cabinet Secretary must coordinate the activities of their ministry with other government agencies to ensure that programs and projects are implemented in a seamless and integrated manner.
- Oversight and regulation: The Cabinet Secretary is responsible for overseeing the operations of their ministry to ensure that they comply with relevant laws and regulations.
- Stakeholder engagement: The Cabinet Secretary must engage with stakeholders, including the public, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to get feedback and input on government policies and programs.
- Reporting and accountability: The Cabinet Secretary is accountable to the President and the National Assembly for their performance. They must provide regular reports on the activities of their ministry and respond to questions and concerns raised by the National Assembly.
- Representation: The Cabinet Secretary represents the government in meetings, conferences, and other forums related to their ministry. They must articulate the government’s position on issues related to their ministry and negotiate on behalf of the government.
Overall, the Cabinet Secretary plays a critical role in the formulation and implementation of government policies and programs in Kenya. They are responsible for ensuring that their respective ministries operate efficiently and effectively and that they contribute to the overall development of the country.
Cabinet Secretary Salary And Allowances In Kenya
The salary and allowances for Cabinet Secretaries in Kenya are set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). As of 2021, the basic salary for a Cabinet Secretary in Kenya is Kshs. 924,000 per month. However, this amount may be subject to adjustments from time to time.
In addition to the basic salary, Cabinet Secretaries are entitled to various allowances, which include:
- Housing allowance – This is an allowance paid to Cabinet Secretaries to cater to their housing expenses. The amount varies depending on the location of the Cabinet Secretary.
- Medical allowance – Cabinet Secretaries are entitled to a medical allowance to cover their medical expenses and those of their immediate family members.
- Transport allowance – This allowance is paid to Cabinet Secretaries to cater to their transport expenses.
- Commuter allowance – Cabinet Secretaries are entitled to a commuter allowance to cover their daily transport expenses.
- Leave allowance – This is an allowance paid to Cabinet Secretaries when they take their annual leave.
- Entertainment allowance – Cabinet Secretaries are entitled to an entertainment allowance to cater for their hospitality expenses when hosting guests.
- Other allowances – Cabinet Secretaries may also be entitled to other allowances, such as special duty allowance, hardship allowance, and responsibility allowance, among others.
Car Loan: Up to Ksh 10 million
Mortgage: Up to Ksh 40 million
Airtime: Up to a maximum of Ksh 20,000 per month
Annual Leave Allowance: Ksh 50,000 per annum
It is worth noting that the total remuneration package for Cabinet Secretaries in Kenya is subject to taxation.
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