President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in of Salome Muhia-Beacco and Anne Njoki Wang’ombe as Correctional Services and Performance and Delivery Services Principal Secretaries respectively at State House Nairobi.
Muhia succeeds her predecessor Mary Muthoni who was transferred to Health docket in the same capacity following the sacking of former Health PS Josephine Mburu over the Sh3.7billion mosquito nets procurement scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa).
Njoki replaces former Performance and Delivery PS Esther Ngero domiciled under the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s office who resigned after being transferred to Correctional Services without assuming the responsibilities.
It is suspected Ngero was forced out of office in a huff from the State Department for Performance Management and Delivery Services before assuming her new roles at the Correctional Services.
During the swearing in ceremony, the president observed that the government is spending more resources on recurrent than the required numbers.
He said about 46 per cent of the country’s spending is on salaries and wages.
“This is way above our target of 35 per cent. We must work towards bringing down the figure.” The president noted.
He observed that the move will ensure that the country’s development plan is not starved of funds.
Ruto asked the two to work with their Cabinet Secretaries to deliver on the Government’s agenda.
“Kenyans expect us to deliver on our promises and make their lives better. You have the requisite knowledge to deliver on this agenda.” He added.
He asked the State Department for Performance and Delivery Services to ensure that public servants are held to account, made more productive and remunerated accordingly.
“We must also embrace correctional best practices to empower prisoners besides preparing them for productive engagement in the country.” He added.
President Ruto urged them to ensure prudent use of public resources.
Among those present during the ceremony include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Solicitor General Shadrack Mose among other leaders.
