The Assumption of the Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 1 of 2025) sponsored by the Leader of The Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah has undergone its first reading in the House
The principal objective of the Bill, is to provide for the procedure and ceremony for the assumption of the Office of President and Deputy President by a President-elect and their Deputy in accordance with Article 141 of the Constitution. It allows for the orderly transition of executive authority before and after a presidential election.
The Bill sets out the process of the taking of the oath of Office by the President Elect and Deputy President-elect with Clause 20 and Clause 22 respectively providing for the handing over of the instruments of power and authority which includes the sword and the Constitution by the outgoing President to the President-elect.
The Bill spells out the duration and timelines for the transition process with clause 6 stating that transition of executive authority shall be deemed to have been completed when the President, Deputy President, Attorney-General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and the Secretary of the Cabinet assume office.
Additionally, it provides for the conduct of State officers during the transition period, the restriction of certain actions by State and public officers, and the express prohibition of acts and omissions designed to obstruct the smooth transition of executive authority.
It expressly provides for the continuation in office of Cabinet Secretaries and other designated state officers that service cabinet pending the appointments of incoming office holders.
