Editor's Review

Elachi noted that the over 50 CAS positions would expand the tax base which aligns with the Kenya Kwanza masterplan.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, affiliated with the opposition side Azimio la Umoja, came under harsh criticism defending the recreation of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) positions after being declared unconstitutional.

In a K24 TV interview on Thursday, December 7, the Azimio MP argued that CAS positions would be critical in helping President William Ruto capitalize on tax collection.

Elachi noted that the over 50 CAS positions would expand the tax base which aligns with the Kenya Kwanza masterplan.

"If the CAS get salaries they will pay taxes, in fact, we are creating more base of tax to go back to the government because they will employ others," She stated.

File photo of Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi. PHOTO | COURTESY

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The MP further stated that the issue of money should not be cited as a hindrance to the creation of the CAS positions.

Her sentiments sparked uproar from sections of Kenyans who faulted her thought process.

Photo Activist Boniface Mwangi led the onslaught by writing, "The emperor is naked, and some members of his team are brainless."

"Their salaries will burden an already overburdened wage bill," another social media user stated.

"Very distorted reasoning. If gov't avoids paying their salaries, it avoids 100% of their salary, rather than getting 35 per cent back. If you want to increase employment, do it by making a better business environment. That way you create more jobs than simply employing someone who at best will employ a watchman and a maid," he reiterated.

Elachi who served as a CAS in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration was reacting to plans by Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah to entrench the position in the law.

Ichung'wah proposed amendments to the National Government Coordination Act, 2013 to align the position with the judgment of the court.

“There is established office of the Chief Administrative Secretary which shall be an office in the public service,” reads the National Government Administrative Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

“The President shall, on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and approval of the National Assembly, appoint Chief Administrative Secretaries," it adds.