Ruto promises to make changes in government
President William Ruto has promised to make changes in his administration amid pressure from the youth over his governance.
Speaking during the State of the Nation address on Friday, July 5, 2024, the Head of State stated that the changes in government which follow key changes will be announced later.
"These measures will be followed by changes in government that I shall be announcing," Ruto said.
Some of the key changes included the reduction of budgets in executive offices, and renovations, he also announced the suspension of the positions of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) as well as the reduction of government advisors.
Additionally, Ruto announced that budget lines providing for the operations of the offices of the First Lady, the spouses of the Deputy President and the Prime Cabinet Secretary will be removed.
“I make this statement to highlight the actions taken in response to overwhelming public feedback in recent days, to fulfil my commitment to continuously and effectively listen to the people of Kenya.
"The following actions shall be taken with immediate effect towards the realisation of the new budget. The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50% within the public service, with immediate effect. 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,” Ruto stated.
The president also dissolved 47 State Corporations as part of the austerity measures to minimise overspending of public revenue. He stated that the staff currently employed by the affected corporations will be transferred to ministries and other state agencies.
"47 State Corporations with overlapping and duplicative functions will be dissolved, 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," the president said.
He further announced that the mandatory retirement age for public servants is 60 years with no extension to their tenure of service.
