Measures Ruto has implemented so far since demos started
President William Ruto has responded to pressure from Gen Z protesters by implementing a series of measures.
This follows three weeks of demonstrations across major Kenyan cities in response to the Finance Bill 2024.
The protests, which resulted in injuries and fatalities, urged Ruto to address their grievances. In response, Ruto declined to sign the Finance Bill, instead returning it to Parliament for amendment.
Despite Ruto’s action, Gen Z protesters continued to press for further reforms. On June 26, the President announced austerity measures affecting key government departments, including his own.
These measures aim to manage finances responsibly following the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill.
Specific initiatives include reducing operational expenses across the presidency, eliminating confidential expenditures, and cutting costs for travel, hospitality, vehicle purchases, and renovations.
ALSO READ:
- How not to make a mistake when choosing the best bookmaker in Kenya
- Understanding Gatwiri’s Cause of Death: Unraveling Positional Asphyxiation
- KRA Rules Out Tax Relief on SHIF Deductions
- Understanding Why Married Women Cheat: Common Reasons Behind Infidelity
- Violence Erupts in Mozambique: Three Killed, 66 Injured in Protests Over Disputed Election
Ruto also dissolved 47 state corporations with overlapping roles and suspended the recruitment of Chief Administrative Secretaries.
He further reduced government advisors by half and eliminated budgets for the offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Additionally, confidential budgets within executive offices were removed, and renovation budgets slashed by 50%.
The President directed civil servants reaching 60 years to retire immediately without extension and halted the purchase of non-security-related vehicles for one year.
He also suspended non-essential travel for state officers and prohibited vehicle purchases for government agencies during the same period.
Last week, Ruto disbanded his entire cabinet, except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, who also serves as Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS.
The President plans to name a new cabinet following extensive consultations across various sectors.
Measures Ruto has implemented so far since demos started