The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has written to all Cabinet Secretaries, asking them to submit the names of one out of their two advisors to be axed in line with President William Ruto’s push for a leaner government.

This follows calls by Kenyans for the president to overhaul his government to minimize the wastage of public resources and implement austerity measures to ensure Kenya lives within its means.

In a letter addressed to the Cabinet dated Monday, July 8, Koskei referred to President William Ruto’s directive from Friday of the previous week, which sought to reduce the number of advisers in the government by 50% to improve efficiency and cut public expenditure.

Koskei directed the Cabinet Secretaries to assess the needs of their respective portfolios and indicate the advisor they wish to retain to help run the affairs of the ministry.

“By dint of the presidential action, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one. Additionally, the number of personal staff attached to you will remain as set out in the Public Service Commission guideline, being two staffers. Consequently, you are requested to assess the requirements of your portfolio mandate. Any advisor beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out of the public service,” the letter read in part.

“Accordingly, and by way of this circular letter, you are directed to submit to the Public Service Commission the full name of the adviser to be retained, with a copy to this office by the close of business on Thursday, 11th July 2024.”

On Friday, July 5, 2024, President William Ruto committed to implementing changes in the Cabinet and announced a series of austerity measures across various government agencies to align the country’s budgetary expenditure with the implications of the withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024, following pressure from Gen Zs through protests.

ALSO READ: We will have to borrow KSh1 trillion to run Gov’t President Ruto Says