- Muheria said the bloated cabinet will only be a burden to the already straining budget.
- CAS are entitled to Sh765,188, the cost of 50 CASs at Sh459 million per annum.
Image: FILE
Nyeri archbishop Anthony Muheria has questioned the rationale behind the appointment of 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries.
Muheria said the bloated cabinet will only be a burden to the already straining budget.
"We feel sad that at this moment that Kenyans are suffering we received this news of 50 CASs appointments...A bloated budget because of huge appointment of CAS will mean taking away resources from the poor to support these persons," Muheria said.
CAS are entitled to the same gross pay as Permanent secretaries whose pay was reviewed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to Sh765,188 from Sh874.500.
They earn the same gross monthly salary as Permanent secretaries, putting the cost of servicing salaries of 50 CASs at Sh459 million per annum, minus additional costs and allowances.
"The question is it opportune to do it when Kenyans are struggling. We should reduce the budget for salaries, and expenses for the sake of suffering Kenyans," Muheria said.
Muheria asked President William Ruto to listen to the cries of Kenyans in distress.
He said a lot of issues facing Kenyans revolve around the financial crisis.
"We are in a problem of famine which we have not fully addressed, cost of living. We understand the situation but we need to address it," he added.
Concerns have been raised that some CAS posts are unnecessary.
Outgoing Chief Administrative Secretary David Osiany, for instance, has revealed he will be passing on a baton to seven new nominees, raising eyebrows why seven should be appointed to roles done by one person.
Osiany said his close friends were referring him to a 'super CAS' since he was to hand over his previous role to seven nominees.
This is after President William Ruto nominated former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, Vincent Mogaka and Lilian Tomitom to replace Osiany as CASs for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
As for the Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development where Osiany was serving in an acting capacity, he will also be replaced by two nominees.
Mwanamaka Maruki and Rael Lelei, if approved by parliament, will serve as CASs for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development.
The Law Society of Kenya termed the nomination of 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries an illegal undertaking by President Ruto.
LSK President Eric Theuri said the Public Service Commission capped the number of CASs at 23.
"The PSC created 23 CASs positions. This is on oath in an affidavit in Court. The president has created an extra illegal 27 positions. This invalidates the entire list," Theuri said in a statement on Twitter.