Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has confirmed that the recent transfer of the Public Seal from the Office of the Attorney General (AG) to the Head of Public Service (HOPS) followed legal procedures and does not undermine the constitutional role of the AG.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Mwaura clarified that the Attorney General retains all his constitutional powers as the President’s principal legal advisor. He stated that the shift in custody was executed in line with legislative reforms enacted by Parliament.
“The transfer of custody of the Public Seal from the Office of the Attorney General to the Office of the Head of Public Service was conducted in accordance with the law,” Mwaura affirmed. He added that the process is backed by the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill passed in 2023, which redefined the role of the HOPS, including making the office the official custodian of the seal.
The Public Seal is an important national symbol used to authenticate key state documents. It features the Kenyan coat of arms with two lions holding spears and a traditional shield, symbolising unity, protection, and the defence of freedom. The seal is referenced in Chapter Two, Part Nine, and the Second Schedule of the Kenyan Constitution, underscoring its significance.
Mwaura further defended the Head of Public Service against criticism, attributing opposition from certain quarters to the HOPS’s aggressive anti-corruption agenda. “People who are resisting change in government ministries, agencies, and departments are unsettled because, for the first time, we have a head of public service who is resolute and determined to weed out corruption,” he said.
He also highlighted the potential of technology to curb graft, noting that adopting e-procurement systems could save the government up to Sh250 billion annually. “A significant portion of our development budget is lost through corruption due to human interference in procurement,” he explained.
Mwaura concluded by reaffirming that the AG’s role remains unchange
