Hardly a week after big political names from Nyanza defected to President Ruto’s UDA party, the region has claimed its share of President Ruto’s latest appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries.
The biggest winners are former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, who unsuccesfully vied against Gladys Wanga for the Homabay gubernatorial seat who has been appointed CAS for Investment, Trade & Industry.
Another beneficiary is former Siaya Gubernatorial aspirant Engineer Nicholas Gumbo who was floored by James Orengo and who heads to the Ministry of Roads and Transport as CAS.
Others are former Kisumu Senator Senator Fred Outa who is CAS Ministry of Mining, former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga Ministry of Interior and National Administration) former West Mugirango MP. Vincent Kemosi Mogaka who heads to Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry and former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi who is CAS Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They form part of of the 50 individuals politicians nominated to the lucrative position which is equivalent to Assistant Ministers. Critics however say the number is way more than the 23 vacancies declared by the Public Service Commission and would cost taxpayers Kshs. 5 billion shillings in salaries and other benefits.
Other notable poll losers who have been given a lifeline by the president include Catherine Waruguru (Laikipia East) , Onesmus Ngunjiri (Bahati MP) , Bishop Margaret Wanjiru ( Nairobi Senator) , Isaac Mwaura ( Ruiru MP) and Rehema Jaldesa (Isiolo Woman Rep).
The role of the CAS in a ministry include responding to issues touching on the portfolio assigned to the office and providing liaison with the bicameral Parliament and county governments on matters of concurrent mandate and common interest. The CAS also provide inter-ministerial or sectorial coordination, representing the CS at any meeting as instructed and executing any other duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to the office by the CS.
According to the Public Service Commission, the CAS which is equivalent to job group V would take home a salary of Sh765,188 monthly, a house allowance of Kshs. 200,000 and entertainment allowance of Kshs. 100,000.
