President William Ruto’s Cabinet has approved a groundbreaking bill to address gaps in the transition of executive power and the assumption of office by a president-elect.

The proposed Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024, introduces several measures to ensure a smooth transfer of power between administrations.

The bill guarantees that both the president-elect and deputy president-elect will receive security arrangements identical to those of the sitting President and Deputy President.

This provision aims to uphold their safety and dignity during the transition period.

Hefty penalties

To deter interference, the bill imposes hefty penalties on state and public officers who obstruct the presidential transition.

Offenders will face fines of up to Ksh.10 million, 10 years of imprisonment, or both, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct during this critical period.

In cases where the outgoing president is unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony, the law allows for the omission of the formal handover of instruments of power.

This adjustment ensures the validity of the transition process remains intact, regardless of unforeseen circumstances.

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To further streamline the process, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will retain their positions until the incoming administration appoints their replacements.

This provision ensures continuity in government operations during the transition phase.

Greed for power?

The bill also outlines the complete process of transferring executive authority. According to the proposal, the transition is deemed finalized once the president, Deputy President, Attorney General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and the Secretary to the Cabinet officially assume their offices.

Additionally, the legislation mandates the establishment of a transition center and appoints members of the Assumption of Office Committee.

This committee will play a pivotal role in coordinating the handover process between the outgoing and incoming presidents.

With these robust measures, the bill now heads to Parliament for deliberation and approval by both Houses.

If passed, it promises to enhance stability, transparency, and efficiency during the handover of executive power in Kenya.