After three weeks of citizens’ protests against the Kenyan government, President Willam Ruto has announced the removal of budgets for the offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
He said this on Friday while addressing the country from the State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto also dissolved 47 state agencies and suspended non-essential travel for government workers. He equally suspended the buying of new cars in government for the next year, except for security agencies.
The Attorney General is at this moment 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.
He further directed that the number of government advisers be cut at least 50%.
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%, Ruto said.
The budget for renovations in government will be reduced by half, the President added.
These austere measures announced by President Ruto aim to address the citizens’ anger over his policies, particularly the tax hikes, a bill he has now withdrawn. However, it remains uncertain if these measures will satisfy the public’s demands for his resignation.
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