A case challenging the appointment of Cabinet Administrative Secretaries (CAS) has been dismissed by the Employment and Labor Court.
The petition was filed on grounds of lack of proper public participation by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and that its existence would cause financial strain to the country.
The court suspended their appointment in October. Justice Monica Mbaru on Thursday ruled that PSC’s decision to create the position was lawful and that the government can go ahead with the appointments.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had petitioned the court to block the president from appointing CASs, arguing the Public Service Commission (PSC) did not conduct adequate public participation during creation of the posts.
The LSK further argued that the positions were not accommodated in the Constitution, hence a burden to the taxpayers. Critics said it was meant to reward political allies at the expense of the taxpayer.
The Employment and Labor Relations Court, however, ruled that the PSC did everything right while creating the positions.
President William Ruto had proposed the establishment of the offices in his new administration but tasked PSC to seek the views of the public.
The Head of State is now free to make the appointments that could see at least 25 people getting State jobs. The PSC will now accept applications for job openings.
NKATHA WAINAINA