Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has set the record straight on who holds official responsibility for the custody of the public seal, following public confusion sparked by a recent parliamentary proposal.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Mwaura clarified that the Attorney General remains the lawful custodian of the Public Seal, as provided under Section 28A of the Office of the Attorney General Act.
Dismissing recent claims that the Head of Public Service is now the custodian of the Public Seal, Mwaura explained that the confusion arose from a proposal in Parliament under the National Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill.
The proposal had initially sought to designate the Head of Public Service as the sole custodian of the seal. However, he clarified that the clause was deleted during the legislative process, meaning no changes were made to the existing law.
“The public seal is under the custody of the attorney general in line with Section 28A of the Office of the Attorney General Act. Article 9 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) outlines our national symbols, including the public seal and not with the head of the public service,” Mwaura clarified.
“That misinformation came as a result of the proposal in parliament to amend the National Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, which sought to make the Head of the Public Service the sole custodian of the Public Seal, but it was deleted.”
Mwaura changes tune
This clarification comes days after Mwaura, speaking during a press briefing on May 20, 2025, defended the proposed transition of the public seal from Attorney General to the head of public service, arguing that it was conducted lawfully and did not infringe on national values.
Mwaura emphasised that while the Head of Public Service facilitates the day-to-day functioning of the Executive, legal custody of national symbols such as the Public Seal remains within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws.
“The process is anchored in legislation, which recognises the HOPS as the appropriate holder of the seal,” he stated.
“The head of public service is the number one public servant in this country, and he has this seal of the president. he is the one who executes what the president needs to be done; he helps to run the government on a daily basis.”
Public seal
The public seal is used to stamp critical documents to represent the government, to show they are authentic and official.
