Kenyan Cabinet has approved the Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024, aimed at addressing existing gaps and ensuring a seamless handover of power during presidential transitions. The Bill, which addresses several key aspects of this process, has been designed to reinforce the continuity of governance and strengthen the stability of the country’s political landscape.

One of the Bill’s notable provisions includes the imposition of a Sh10 million fine on state officers who obstruct the transition process. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the transfer of power proceeds without hindrance, promoting transparency and accountability during this critical phase.

In addition to facilitating the orderly handover of power, the Bill ensures that the President-elect and Deputy President-elect are entitled to security measures equivalent to those of the sitting President and Deputy President. This provision, according to the Cabinet, is meant to guarantee their safety and security during the transition period.

The Bill also covers contingencies in the event the outgoing President is unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony. In such circumstances, the transfer of power will proceed without the outgoing President’s presence, ensuring that the validity of the swearing-in process remains intact. This is seen as an important step in safeguarding the continuity of executive authority, regardless of unforeseen challenges.

To further promote a smooth transition, the legislation ensures that Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will remain in office until new appointments are made by the incoming administration. This provision is expected to maintain the functionality of the government, preventing disruptions in service delivery during the transition period.

Moreover, the Bill formalizes the completion of the transition process when key government officials, including the President, Deputy President, Attorney-General, and other senior figures, assume office. It also outlines the President-elect’s role in appointing members of the Assumption of Office Committee, as well as the establishment of a Transition Centre to oversee the entire process.

In addition to the presidential transition legislation, the Cabinet also approved the extension of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement for importing refined petroleum products. This arrangement has proven to be effective in easing the demand for foreign currency, stabilizing the Kenyan shilling’s exchange rate, and reducing the price of petrol. As a result, the shilling-dollar exchange rate has improved from Sh166 to Sh129, while the price of petrol has dropped from Sh217 per litre to Sh177.

The Cabinet further approved a proposal for the centralized bulk procurement of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Heavy Fuel Oil, and bitumen, aiming to streamline procurement processes and secure stable supplies of these essential products. The move is expected to contribute to the country’s energy security while enhancing efficiency in government procurement systems.

These decisions reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure political stability, economic resilience, and efficient governance in the face of evolving challenges. The passage of the Assumption of Office Bill marks a critical step in fortifying Kenya’s transition mechanisms, paving the way for smoother future transitions of power.