By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Following concerns raised by the office of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta regarding the facilitation of his office and staff, President William Ruto has put in place a team to address the issues raised by the office of the former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“President Ruto has consequently constituted a team, led by the Head of Public Service, to immediately address all the issues raised, including the location of the retired President’s office and the attendant staff establishment,” stated State house spokesperson.
Statehouse spokesperson, Mr. Hussein Mohammed, revealed that President Ruto had engaged in discussions with his predecessor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“This morning, President William Ruto had a conversation with his predecessor in office, the 4th President, President Uhuru Kenyatta, regarding concerns about facilitating the functioning of the retired President’s office,” he stated.
The decision emerged from a cabinet meeting, where Head of Public Service Felix Koskei was appointed to lead the team that will review the complete set of provisions allocated to the retired president.
This happened after the office of the retired president Uhuru Kenyatta through the communication director Kanze Dena spoke to the public complaining that the benefits of the ex-commander in chief as required by the constitution has not been met by the state.
Kanze Dena also disclosed that the former president has never received the full budget allocation mandated by law, compelling him to personally finance essentials such as office space and other ongoing needs.
“In the year 2022/2023 parliament budget allocation to this office was 655 million shillings. To date the office can only confirm absorption of 28million spread across payment of allowance for local travel and domestic travel as well as facilitation of the 2 trip that has been honored so far. This is approximately 4.4% of the total budget. This is minus payment of salaries and medical insurance,” noted Kanze Dena.
The year 2023/2024 that ends in a few weeks the budget allocation to this office was 503 million shillings. The year is ending without the office having any access to this allocation. What we can confirm is that salaries have been paid as well as medical insurance,” she added.
According to the government spokesperson Mr. Mwaura’s the former president is entitled to receive a lump sum payment of 48 million as gratuity, the personal monthly allowances, and medical cover.
“I can confirm that H.E did receive his gratuity in full and is receiving his monthly allowances. These monies are paid by the Pension Fund that is domiciled in Treasury,” Mr. Mwaura said.
I would like to emphases that every civil servant on contract once they completed service they are given a gratuity,” he added.
As the task force begins its work, it is poised to bring about positive changes that will enhance the functioning of the retired President’s office and uphold the principles of fairness and respect for former leaders.