Uhuru to make choice regarding flag design

PHOTO | STEPHEN MUDIARI | FILE The national flag and presidential standard on President Kibaki's official vehicle.

What you need to know:

  • State Uniform team will ensure standard is ready before the swearing-in fete

President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta will on Monday hand in his presidential standard design to the Committee on Assumption to the office of the president for designing.

The presidential standard or flag symbolises power; it shows who the Commander-in-Chief is and thus the need for an incoming president to give a design he likes best.

The standard is expected to be ready before the swearing-in ceremony expected to take place on March 26.

These are among the things he was asked to give the committee immediately after the Saturday evening briefing.

Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia said the standard is mandatory where there is change of guard.

“After the swearing-in ceremony, when the National Anthem is being played, two things will happen; the lowering of President Kibaki’s standard and hoisting of Mr Kenyatta’s flag as he is now the Commander-in-Chief,” said Mr Kimemia.

“We will send the standard to the State Uniform Committee for designing to ensure the process is completed within the time frame given,” the Civil Service boss said.

Other than the standard expected on Monday, Mr Kimemia confirmed that his team gave a comprehensive brief to Mr Kenyatta on issues he needs to be abreast with as the incoming Head of State.

“We briefed him on the state of the country’s security, devolution, state of the economy, government structures, Vision 2030, the 21 ministries and the ceremony that will lead to his swearing-in,” he said.

Until March 26 Mr Kenyatta will be briefed at least twice every day but is not allowed to sign documents until he is sworn in.

Under the Assumption to the Office of the President Act, public officers are compelled to share State information they are privy to with the President-elect as soon as he is declared winner of the elections. Mr Kenyatta was declared winner on Saturday.