President Uhuru Issues New Rules to Restrict Foreign Travel for Cabinet Members, State Officers

State House has released new rules for State officers seeking to travel abroad in latest move by President Uhuru to reduce government expenditure.

The Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua has capped the number of delegations travelling to foreign nations for official duty to four.

The move is part of increased austerity measures for President Kenyatta’s cash-strapped administration.

In a letter to all Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney-General, Principal Secretaries and other State officials, Kinyua states that foreign travel clearance will only be granted when the event occasioning the travel is of benefit to taxpayers.

“Delegations headed by Cabinet secretaries or chief administrative secretaries should not exceed four persons including the head of delegation,” says Kinyua.

“As an omnibus guiding principle international travel should be limited to essential trips and all reasonable steps to ensure prudent use of public funds should be employed,” he adds.

Delegations headed by Principal Secretaries, Chairpersons or Chief Executives of State agencies should not exceed three, Kinyua further says.

“Cabinet secretaries shall on the 10th day of every month make monthly returns to the Head of the Public Service with respect to all travels clearances issued by them in the previous month, indicating the expenditure incurred and the expected benefits from the international,” Kinyua states.

State officers including CSs and PSs will be required to seek clearance from the President before proceeding with their travel.

“Cabinet secretaries, chief administrative secretaries, principal secretaries, accounting officers, chairpersons and chief executives of State corporations travelling abroad will continue to seek clearance from his Excellency the President.”