The Public Service Commission has reviewed the Chief Administrative Secretaries shortlist, adding 16 new names including former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali.
The commission did not give any reasons for the additional names that now push the total number to 240 from the initial 224 published on Sunday evening.
"This list supersedes the one which was published in the print on February 21, 2023," PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri said in the notice sent out on Monday evening.
Washiali served as National Assembly Majority Whip after the 2017 general election but was among President William Ruto's allies who were ousted from Parliamentary leadership in 2020.
He opted out of elective politics in the 2022 polls and decided to serve in the Ruto presidential campaigns, becoming one of the UDA party heavyweights.
Others in the new list, dominated by UDA stalwarts, include former Mandera Senator Mohamed Maalim Mohamud and ex-ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamud Ali Saleh.
Allan Kosgey who lost the Nandi UDA gubernatorial nominations is also on the updated list as well as former Baringo Speaker Kiplagat David Kipkorir.
Former Kibwezi West MP UDA parliamentary aspirant James Kimanthi Mbaluka who lost to Mwengi Mutuse of Maendeleo Chap Chap was also included.
Others also are former Minority Leader in the County Assembly of Migori Nicholas Ngabiya Rioba, Mohammed Ibrahim Ibrein, Lucy Mihiuko Muchoki, Loice Chepchirchir Rono, Esther Nduku Muia and David Sande Oyolo among others.
The shortlisted candidates will from March 1 appear before PSC for a marathon of interviews before the final list of successful candidates is handed to President Ruto for the appointment.
They will assume positions similar to the former assistant ministers with a reporting line to the relevant Cabinet Secretaries.
