Cabinet endorses bill imposing Ksh.10M fine for disrupting presidential transition

The Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024 seeks to ensure that the president-elect and deputy president-elect will receive security arrangements equivalent to those of the sitting President and his deputy. 

The bill will also impose a fine of up to Ksh.10 million, 10-year imprisonment or both for state and public officers who obstruct the transition of the presidency. 

In situations where the outgoing president will be unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony, the process of handing over instruments of power will be omitted without affecting the validity of the entire transition procedure. 

To enhance a smoother transition process, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will remain in office until new appointments are made by the incoming administration. 

According to the bill, the transition of executive authority will be complete once the president, Deputy President, Attorney General, CSs, PSs and Secretary to the Cabinet assume office. 

The bill also outlines the establishment of a transition centre and the appointment of members of the Assumption of Office Committee whose role will entail facilitating the handing over process by the outgoing president to the president-elect.

The bill will head to Parliament for consideration by both Houses.