In a bid to streamline government operations and enhance fiscal discipline, President William Ruto has unveiled a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing expenditure and improving efficiency across ministries and state agencies.
Speaking during a press briefing, President Ruto outlined the following key initiatives:
a. Dissolution of State Corporations: “47 State Corporations with overlapping and duplicative functions will be dissolved,” President Ruto declared. This move is expected to eliminate operational and maintenance costs associated with these entities, with their functions integrated into respective line ministries. Employees currently working in these corporations will be transferred to ministries and other state agencies.
b. Suspension of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) Appointments: President Ruto announced the suspension of filling positions for Chief Administrative Secretaries, aimed at reducing administrative overhead and streamlining decision-making processes within government ministries.
c. Reduction in Advisors: “The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50% within the public service,” President Ruto stated. This measure aims to optimize resource allocation and improve efficiency in advisory roles across government departments.
d. Removal of Budget Lines for Certain Offices: Budget provisions for the operations of the offices of the First Lady, spouses of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary will be removed. President Ruto emphasized the need to eliminate unnecessary expenditures and focus resources on critical government functions.
e. Cutting Confidential Budgets and Renovations: Budgetary provisions for confidential budgets in various Executive offices, including the President’s office, will be removed. Additionally, the budget for government-wide renovations will be reduced by 50%, reflecting a commitment to prudent financial management.
f. Retirement Age Implementation: “Public servants who attain the retirement age of 60 years shall be required to immediately proceed on retirement,” President Ruto announced. This measure aims to manage human resource costs and create opportunities for succession planning within the civil service.
g. Suspension of Vehicle Purchases: The government will suspend the purchase of new motor vehicles for 12 months, except for security agencies. President Ruto indicated that a new policy on transport for public officers will be developed during this period to ensure efficient use of government resources.
h. Restriction on Non-Essential Travel: “All non-essential travel by state and public officers is hereby suspended,” President Ruto stated. This measure seeks to minimize travel-related expenses and prioritize essential government business.
i. Ban on Public Contributions: President Ruto directed that no state officer or public servant shall participate in public contributions or Harambees (charitable fundraisers) henceforth. He instructed the Attorney General to prepare legislation to enforce this directive and establish transparent mechanisms for public, charitable, and philanthropic contributions.
These austerity measures underscore President Ruto’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient governance, aiming to optimize government spending and improve service delivery to the Kenyan people. The implementation of these measures is expected to begin immediately, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure effectiveness.
