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| Defence CS Aden Duale |
Defence CS Aden Duale has said that his office has no names of advisers to submit to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
Koskei on Wednesday directed all Cabinet Secretaries to remain with only one adviser as part of the radical austerity measures announced last week.
In a statement, Duale said it is because the senior officials at the ministry have the required training and knowledge to advice him.
The CS said the officials also have the experience to give strategic advice on how to take the ministry forward.
“I have no advisers to submit as the men and women at the helm of Defence headquarters leadership have the required Training, knowledge and experience to give me strategic advice and guidance to steer the Ministry,” Duale said on X.
Koskei said the move was in line with the austerity measures announced by the head of state last Friday to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the government.
He said the measures are aimed at restoring faith in public institutions by enhancing accountability, transparency and the strengthening of governance within them.
“Accordingly, and by way of this circular letter, you are directed to submit to the Public Service Commission the full names of the adviser to be retained, with a copy to this office, by close of business on Thursday, July 11, 2024,” Koskei said.
“By dint of that presidential action, the number of advisers assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one,” Koskei said.
“Additionally, the number of personal staff attached to you will remain as set out in the public service guidelines, being two staffers.”
He asked the CSs to assess the requirements of their offices and retain one adviser.
Any advisers beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the public service.
Last Friday, President William Ruto announced a raft of measures to cut down on government expenditures in the wake of sustained street protests against the regime.
Besides slashing the number of advisers, the President also removed the offices of the First Lady, and spouses of the Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The government will also be dissolving 47 state agencies with overlapping and duplicating mandates.
Ruto also suspended non-essential travel for government workers and buying of new cars.
He also dropped the appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission estimated was to take at least Sh9.4 million to keep one CAS in office.
In a mop-up of all resources to bridge the budget deficit, Ruto further announced confidential budgets will be reduced by 50 per cent.