In recent news, Kenya's top government officials have been given strict guidelines for their foreign travel plans. President William Ruto's office has issued these rules to ensure better compliance and cost-effectiveness in official travel. Let's delve into the ten guidelines set forth by the President's office.
1. Non-essential foreign travel remains suspended: To minimize unnecessary expenses, all non-essential foreign travel plans have been put on hold.
2. Advisory from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs: The office will obtain advisory from the ministry on the necessity of involving a delegation from the ministry/state departments/agency. This ensures the presence of only essential personnel.
3. Travel requests to be personally allowed by the President: All travel requests from Cabinet Secretaries, CAS, PSs, and Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations need to be approved personally by President Ruto through his office.
4. Delegation size limitations for CSs: Delegations headed by Cabinet Secretaries should not exceed four persons, including the CS as the head of the delegation.
5. Delegation size limitations for CASs, PSs, Chairpersons, and CEOs: Delegations headed by CASs, PSs, Chairpersons, and CEOs of State Corporations should not exceed three persons, including the head of the delegation.
6. Joint delegations: Delegations involving CSs, CASs, PSs, Chairpersons, and CEOs should be limited to a maximum of three persons.
7. Travel clearance submission: The travel clearance applications for CSs, CASs, PSs, Chairpersons, and CEOs should be submitted to President Ruto's office under the hand of the respective CS.
8. Detailed application form: The application form should include the full list of ministerial/agency officials forming a part of the delegation and the total costs to be incurred by the full delegation.
9. Maximum travel duration: All travels should not exceed seven days maximum per travel, 15 days maximum per quarter, and 45 days maximum per year.
10. Timely submission of travel clearance applications: The travel clearance application should be submitted at least seven working days before the travel date to ensure adequate time for review and approval.
Conclusion:
President Ruto's office has set strict guidelines for government officials' foreign travel plans to ensure compliance, cost-effectiveness, and optimal use of resources. These guidelines aim to minimize expenses and ensure that only essential personnel are included in official delegations. By adhering to these guidelines, the government aims to streamline foreign travel and improve efficiency in conducting official duties.
