Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that he has no advisors to submit to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for retention, adhering to President William Ruto's austerity measures aimed at reflecting the current economic status. This comes after Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service, issued a circular to all Cabinet Secretaries, reducing the number of advisors assigned to each from two to one. The CSs were required to submit the name of the advisor to be retained by Thursday, July 11.
Duale responded by stating that his ministry does not have advisors since all officials are sufficiently trained to provide strategic advice. "I have no advisors to submit as the men and women at the helm of Defense headquarters leadership have the required training, knowledge, and experience to give me strategic advice and guidance to steer the Ministry," he said.
His statement sparked online debate, with Kenyans questioning whether the Head of Public Service had accurate information about the staffing of President Ruto's cabinet. Additionally, some criticized Duale for sharing confidential information publicly, as the CS had shared the letter marked confidential.
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Koskei's directive to reduce advisors was part of broader austerity measures to enhance fiscal discipline in the public service. The circular requested CSs to evaluate their office needs and designate one advisor for retention, phasing out any advisors beyond the set threshold immediately. "Consequently, you are requested to assess the requirements of your office and indicate the advisor you would wish to retain to support you in discharging your portfolio mandate. Any advisors beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the Public Service," the letter stated.
Additional austerity measures include dissolving at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions, suspending the hiring of Chief Administrative Secretaries, eliminating budgets for the Offices of the First and Second Lady, reducing the budget for government renovations by 50 percent, and suspending the purchase of new vehicles for one year, except for security agencies.
