President William Ruto has expanded the government by creating seven new State Departments, which has significantly increased the number of Principal Secretaries (PS).
Each PS earns a salary and allowances that cost taxpayers over Sh15 million annually, meaning the total wage bill for these new positions alone will exceed Sh765 million every year.
This comes at a time when Kenyans are facing economic hardships, high taxes, and a rising cost of living. The new State Departments include Public Investments and Assets Management under the National Treasury, which is expected to oversee state-owned enterprises and public assets.
There is also the National Government Coordination department under the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, which will likely focus on how different ministries and agencies work together.
The Office of the Attorney General has been given a new department for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs, which might deal with legal reforms and human rights issues.
In the Ministry of Education, a new department called Science, Research, and Innovation has been introduced. This could be aimed at improving scientific studies and research in the country.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport now has a department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, which may focus on the country’s aviation sector, including air travel and space-related projects.
The Ministry of Public Service has introduced a Special Programmes department, which could be responsible for handling emergency responses, disaster management, and welfare programs.
Critics argue that these new positions will only add more financial strain on taxpayers instead of improving service delivery. Many Kenyans believe the government should be reducing unnecessary spending rather than creating more administrative roles.
With the current economic struggles, people expected the government to focus on cutting costs instead of expanding bureaucracy.
There are concerns that some of these new roles are unnecessary or could be handled by existing departments. For example, issues related to public investments and assets management were previously handled within the National Treasury.
Similarly, human rights and constitutional affairs have always been within the mandate of the Attorney General’s office. Aviation and aerospace development, while an important sector, is not a priority for a country struggling with debt and economic instability.
The timing of these new appointments also raises questions. Just recently, the government increased taxes through the Finance Act 2023, claiming that more revenue was needed for development.
Many Kenyans expected those funds to be used for essential services such as healthcare, education, and job creation, but instead, they now see a government that is expanding its wage bill.
The creation of more PS positions suggests that the government is prioritizing political interests over public welfare.This move has also fueled speculation that President Ruto is rewarding loyalists with top government jobs.
Some believe that the expansion of State Departments is a way of accommodating political allies who supported his election and the newly constituted coalition with Raila Odinga.
If that is the case, then it further confirms fears that government appointments are not always about competence but rather political survival.
Many Kenyans are now questioning whether these new positions will bring any real benefits to the people or if they are just another burden on taxpayers. With the rising cost of living, it remains to be seen how the government will justify this increased spending while ordinary citizens continue to struggle.
