Uhuru’s Decision to Send Entire Cabinet on 14-Day Compulsory Leave Explained

The State has denied reports that President Kenyatta’s decision to send the entire Cabinet on a 14-day leave is in preparation for a looming reshuffle.

The Head of Public Service James Kinyua in a statement on Sunday clarified that the working recess is meant to allow members of the Cabinet and other senior-ranking officials in the Executive arm of the government to take a rest and enjoy time with their families.

“It is important to underscore that Members of Cabinet and their colleagues across the Senior Ranks of the Executive do not enjoy ‘leave’ in the traditional sense,” said Kinyua.

He added: “Accordingly, His Excellency the President is convinced that short Cabinet Working Recess will enable Cabinet to deliver on its mandate with renewed energy whilst being accorded an opportunity to reconnect with their families and our shared heritage.”

Uhuru ordered all Cabinet Secretaries (CSs), Principal Secretaries (PSs), and Cabinet Administrative Secretaries (CASs) to take a compulsory two-week leave starting Monday, August 17th.

During the period, there will be no Cabinet meetings unless otherwise directed by President Kenyatta.

The move came amidst speculations that President Kenyatta was planning to make major changes in the government in a reorganization that would see allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Senator Gideon Moi, and Wiper chief Kalonzo Musyoka appointed to Cabinet in the spirit of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).