Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi believes that the role of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) should be reinstated.
Elachi, herself a former CAS, disagrees with the argument that the government does not need ‘assistant ministers’ due to the cost of funding their offices.
She said that establishing the role is important because CASs would pay taxes and contribute to the government’s revenue.
“If they get salaries,they will pay tax.infact ,we are creating more base for tax to go back to the government because they employ others,” Elachi noted during an interview at K24.
“for me ,it is not an issue of we have money or not,” She added.
Elachi emphasizes that having CASs would create more job opportunities and increase the tax base.
She dismisses the notion that the government lacks funds, stating that Kenya has faced crises before and should focus on finding positive solutions.
Elachi’s concern comes after the tabling of the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill
The Bill aims to revive the CAS position.
She argued that CASs are necessary for the effective functioning of government ministries.
Elachi highlighted the importance of having a deputy who can represent the Cabinet Secretary in meetings and address ministry-related issues.
“In fairness of the country,of the delivery of service and ensuring that those ministries function in the right way,you need a deputy with a clear role,” Elachi stated.
“a person who will represent the CS in meetings when they are not around,” she added.
The appointment of CASs has faced legal challenges, with the High Court ruling their appointments unconstitutional.
The monthly salary for one CAS is Ksh. 765,188, and the total salary for all 50 nominees would amount to sh. 38,259,400.
Additional benefits include a mortgage payment of sh. 35 million, a car grant of sh. 10 million, and medical cover expenses.
