President William Ruto has made unexpected changes to his Cabinet nominees, moving Soipan Tuya to the Ministry of Defence and Aden Duale to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
In a surprising last-minute decision, President William Ruto has reshuffled his proposed Cabinet. This change was communicated by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, who informed the house of the executive's updated list of nominees for vetting.
Key Changes in Cabinet Nominations
Soipan Tuya: Previously nominated for another position, Soipan Tuya has now been moved to the Ministry of Defence.
Aden Duale: Initially assigned to the Defence Ministry, Aden Duale will now serve in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
Aden Duale expressed his gratitude for the reassignment, stating, "I am grateful to President William Ruto for reassigning me from the Defence Ministry to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. I look forward to focusing on sustainable environmental management, combating climate change, and promoting reforestation and conservation efforts."
Vetting Process for Cabinet Secretaries
The process for vetting and appointing Cabinet Secretaries in Kenya involves several steps, as outlined by the Constitution and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011:
Nomination by the President: The President nominates individuals for Cabinet positions, ensuring regional and ethnic diversity and gender representation.
Submission to the National Assembly: The President's nominees are submitted to the National Assembly, where the Speaker plays a crucial role in the submission process.
Vetting by the Appointments Committee: The National Assembly's Committee on Appointments evaluates the nominees based on their academic credentials, professional experience, integrity, and suitability for the ministry.
Public Hearings: The vetting process includes public hearings to ensure transparency and accountability. Nominees are questioned about their qualifications and plans for their respective ministries.
Committee Report: After the vetting, the Appointments Committee prepares a report on each nominee. If approved, the report is presented to the National Assembly.
Approval by the National Assembly: The National Assembly votes on the nominees based on the committee's report. If a majority supports the nominees, they are approved for appointment.
Swearing-In Ceremony: Approved nominees are formally appointed by the President and take an oath of office, pledging allegiance to the Constitution and the Republic of Kenya.
These steps ensure that the process of appointing Cabinet Secretaries is thorough and transparent, aiming to select the most qualified individuals to serve the country