President Ruto appoints task force for public debt audit, announces government reforms

President William Ruto has appointed an independent task force to carry out a comprehensive forensic audit of public debt & issue a report in the next three months. Speaking from State House the Head of State noted that public debt continues to be a major point of engagement and conversation in Kenya.

"I have today appointed an independent task force to carry out a comprehensive forensic audit over public debt and report to us in the next three months," he said.

The president has further announced several measures aimed at streamlining his administration following an uproar from Kenyans, who demanded change in government.

"The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50 per cent within the public service with immediate effect," he said.

The Head of State further stated that no state officer will be allowed to engage in future fundraising efforts.

Ruto also ordered the state officers to keep off philanthropic activities.

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

The measures have also claimed the existence of 47 state corporations as the President said the parastatals with overlapping mandates will cease to exist immediately.

"The 47 state corporations with overlapping will be dissolved and their mandate transferred to ministries and state agencies," Ruto added.

At the same time, the President directed public servants who have attained the retirement age of 60 to proceed to retirement.

Ruto pointed out that there will be no extension of tenures of public servants who are 60 and above, whatsoever.

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

"All non-essential traveller by state officers is hereby suspended," he said.

Ruto also removed the budget of the Office of the First Lady and spouse of the Deputy President.

“Budget lines providing for the operations of the offices of the First Lady, the spouses of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary shall be removed,” he said.

He had said that since the country has to live within its means, those offices will not be part of the equation.

The President appointed 50 CASs in March last year. Some have since been reassigned to other roles in government.

MPs passed the National Government Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023 early this year allowing Ruto to appoint the individuals.

Still part of the measure, the President also suspended the consideration of the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions following demands from the youths.

Ruto had earlier explained that this would only happen when the economic situation stabilises.

"No CAS will be appointed until when we have an economy that supports more opportunities," he said.

In addition, Ruto also suspended the purchase of new motor vehicles by the government for 12 months, except for security agencies.

He stated that a new policy on transportation for public servants would be devised during this time.

The President said that his administration is determined to carry out these and other changes to improve the quality, efficiency, and transparency in serving the people of Kenya and ensure that citizens receive maximum value for their resources from a public sector that prioritises their welfare.

“I believe these changes will set our country on a trajectory towards economic take-off, enabling us to achieve the strategic objectives of the bottom-up economic transformation agenda and deliver our commitments to radically enhance opportunities for Kenyans and transform our country,” Ruto said.

The President is expected to announce additional measures after these.