In a significant press briefing at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto announced a series of sweeping reforms, crediting the persistent pressure from Generation Z for these critical changes. The President outlined the following measures to address public concerns and streamline government operations:
- Forensic Audit of Public Debt: President Ruto has appointed a taskforce to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of Kenya’s public debt. The taskforce is expected to present its report within three months.
- Closure of Overlapping Institutions: To reduce expenditure, 47 overlapping institutions across various ministries will be closed.
- Reduction of Government Advisors: The number of advisors in government will be reduced by 50% within the public service.
- Suspension of CAS Positions: The decision to fill the positions of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) has been suspended.
- Suspension of New Vehicle Purchases: The purchase of new motor vehicles in the government is suspended for 12 months, except for security agencies.
- Hiring of Teachers and Medical Interns: The government will proceed with hiring Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and medical interns.
- Suspension of Non-Essential Travel: Non-essential travel for government workers has been suspended.
- Ban on Public Contributions by State Officers: President Ruto has banned all state officers and public servants from participating in public contributions or Harambees.
- Budget Cuts for Spouses’ Offices: The offices of Rachel Ruto, Dorcas Rigathi, and Tessy Mudavadi will not receive a budget.
- Reduction in Renovation and Confidential Budgets: Renovation budgets across government facilities will be reduced by 50%, and the confidential budget will be removed.
- Funding and Debt Settlement: The government plans to borrow funds for various programs, including a milk stabilization program, reviving stalled projects, and a fertilizer subsidy program. Additionally, the government will settle debts owed to coffee farmers, enable public-owned sugar mills to pay debts to sugarcane farmers, and seek additional funding for the higher education funding model, county arrears, NG-CDF, and pension arrears.
- Proposed Budget Cut: The government will propose a budget cut of Ksh 177 billion to the National Assembly and borrow the difference.
- Mandatory Retirement for Retired Public Servants: Public servants who have retired yet are still serving will be required to proceed to retirement immediately.
These reforms reflect the growing influence of Generation Z in shaping national policy and highlight President Ruto’s commitment to addressing their concerns and implementing significant changes in government operations.
