List of new austerity measures announced by President Ruto

The President announced the measures on Friday.

In Summary

• The President has also directed the reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 per cent and with immediate effect.

• He has also announced the removal of budgets in the Offices of the First Lady, the second and that of the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

President William Ruto chairing a Cabinet meeting at State House on July 4, 2024.
President William Ruto chairing a Cabinet meeting at State House on July 4, 2024.
Image: PCS

President William Ruto has announced a raft of measures by his administration to cut down on government expenditure.

Ruto said following wide consultations, they have settled on cutting down on various costs, including; Dissolving at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions.

"Resulting in the elimination of their operational and maintenance costs, and their functions will be integrated into the respective line ministries.

"Staff currently employed by the affected corporations will be transferred to ministries and other state agencies," he said.

The suspension of hiring of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS).

The President has also directed the reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 per cent and with immediate effect.

He has also announced the removal of budgets in the Offices of the First Lady, the Second and the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Ruto has also said the confidential budgets in Executive offices have also been removed.

"The budgetary provisions for confidential budgets in various Executive offices, including my office, shall be removed, and the budget for renovations across the government reduced by 50%."

The Head of state said the budget for renovations in government will now be reduced by 50 per cent.

He further directed that Civil servants who attain the age of 60 will be required to retire immediately and no extensions will be allowed.

The President has also directed the suspension of the purchase of new motor vehicles in government for one year, except for security agencies.

All non-essential travel by state officers has also been suspended

No state officer or public servant shall participate in Harambees.

"The Attorney General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes," Ruto said.

A new policy on transport for public officers will be developed.

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