Ruto’s Cabinet has approved a bill that suggests a Ksh10 million fine for Kenyans who hinder the presidential transition process.

President William Ruto’s Cabinet has approved the Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024.

Approved on Tuesday, December 17, during a Cabinet meeting, the bill introduces stringent measures aimed at closing gaps and ensuring smoother, more coordinated presidential transitions in Kenya.

It proposes heavy penalties, including fines of up to Ksh10 million or up to 10 years in prison, or both, for state and public officers who obstruct the transition process.

The bill consolidates the procedures for the assumption of office and transfer of executive power into one legislative framework to streamline the process.

It ensures that the President-elect and Deputy President-elect are provided with security arrangements equivalent to the sitting President and Deputy President.

The bill also includes provisions for situations where the outgoing President cannot attend the swearing-in ceremony, allowing the handover of power to proceed without hindrance.

To ensure continuity, the bill allows current cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries to remain in office until new appointments are made by the incoming administration.

The transition of executive authority will be considered complete when the President, Deputy President, Attorney-General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretary to the Cabinet assume office.

Additionally, the bill outlines the President-elect’s role in nominating and appointing members of the Assumption of Office Committee and establishing a Transition Centre.

Other Cabinet approvals include the formation of a presidential working group to tackle femicide and the construction of a Clean Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System to address transport issues in Nairobi.