President William Ruto’s cabinet has approved a new bill aimed at streamlining the handover of executive power to a president-elect, addressing existing gaps in the transition process.
The Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024 seeks to ensure the smooth transfer of leadership while protecting the integrity of the process.
According to the bill, the president-elect and deputy president-elect will enjoy security arrangements similar to those of the sitting President and Deputy President.
This prioritizes their safety and readiness to assume office.
To deter interference, the bill imposes tough penalties on state and public officers who obstruct or disrupt the transition process.
Offenders risk a hefty fine of up to Ksh.10 million, a 10-year jail term, or both.
In cases where the outgoing president cannot attend the swearing-in ceremony, the formal handover of instruments of power will be omitted.
However, this absence will not affect the validity or legitimacy of the transition, ensuring the process remains uninterrupted.
To enhance stability, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will remain in office until the incoming administration appoints their replacements.
The bill further clarifies that the full transition of executive authority will only be complete once the president-elect, deputy president-elect, Attorney General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretary to the Cabinet officially assume their roles.
A significant highlight of the bill is the creation of a dedicated Transition Centre and the appointment of an Assumption of Office Committee.
The committee will oversee and facilitate a seamless handover between the outgoing president and the president-elect, ensuring all protocols are observed.
With its approval by the cabinet, the bill will now move to Parliament for debate and consideration by both Houses.
If enacted, the new law will reinforce Kenya’s democratic values by safeguarding presidential transitions and ensuring a smoother transfer of power.
