Ruto Assigns Six Key Roles to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

President Ruto has assigned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua six responsibilities in his government in addition to his constitutional roles.

Speaking while unveiling his Cabinet on Tuesday, Ruto said the deputy president will be “a busy man” as they embark on implementing the Kenya Kwanza plan.

Here are the responsibilities assigned to Gachagua;

1. Deputise the president in the execution of all presidential functions that are allowed by the constitution and law. 

2. Chair public committees, oversee implementation of cabinet decisions across all ministries and departments.

3. Coordinate intergovernmental relations between the national government and county governments including chairing the Intergovernmental Budget and Economical Council (IBEC).

4. Be the liaison between the constitutional commissions and independent offices in matters that require intervention by the national government including budgets policy formulation and implementation of their recommendations.

5. Coordinate the planning and supervise the implementation of development partners-funded programs and projects.

6. Oversee public sector reforms and any other functions assigned to him from time to time.

Article 147 of the Constitution states that the Deputy President shall be the principal assistant of the President and shall deputise the President in the execution of the President’s functions.

It also states that the Deputy President shall perform the functions conferred by the Constitution and any other functions of the President as the President may assign.

“Subject to Article 134, when the President is absent or is temporarily incapacitated, and during any other period that the President decides, the Deputy President shall act as the President,” Part 3 of the Article states.

It further states that Deputy President “shall not hold any other State or public office.”