Ruto lists critical instructions to newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries
By Lutta Njomo, August 8, 2024President William Ruto has listed critical instructions to the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries ahead of the commencement of their duties.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, August 8, 2024, President Ruto noted that the first assignment will involve ensuring accountability and fighting graft.
Ruto noted that his government will introduce measures to surcharge any public official who oversees the loss of public resources.
“To enhance accountability we shall introduce measures to surcharge any accounting officer or any other public officer who has occasioned the loss of public resources,” Ruto stated.
“To eliminate the ghost worker payroll fraud at all levels of government, we shall also implement a unified identification system for all persons working across all arms of government including constitutional offices,” Ruto further explained.
On top of their assignment lists, Ruto indicated that the Cabinet shall oversee the mandatory vetting of all public officers and provide a framework for their wealth declaration.
With his new Cabinet in place, Ruto noted that he will propose measures to ensure all graft cases are considered within six months.
Plans for economy
To manage the country’s economy, President Ruto announced that in the 2025/26 financial year, the country will adopt the zero-based budgeting system to re-orientate the expenditure programme.
Further, Ruto noted that all procurement processes will be digitised to eliminate all forms of corruption. This will go in line with the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Bill.
“As pertains to the management of public expenditure, I believe that the time has come for us to break new ground. That is why, beginning in the 2025/26 financial year, we shall adopt a zero-based budgeting system to re-orient the budgeting and expenditure framework of the Government.
“Similarly, we shall exploit the power of information and communication technology to radically diminish opportunities for corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office by digitizing procurement and making it open and transparent,” Ruto stated.
Additionally, President Ruto noted that his new Cabinet will work to seal all loopholes used to siphon public funds during the tax refund exercise.
The Head of State told the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries to work together and develop policies that would promote local manufacturing industries which will further create more employment opportunities.
“I give you my assurance of my full support in discharging your mandates, and in executing a reimagined and catalyzed transformation agenda. I have already given my undertaking to be the foremost steward of public resources and embraced my accountability for its proper use. Therefore, it is important to make it clear that my support for you ends if it conflicts with my accountability to the people of Kenya,” Ruto stated.
The sworn-in Cabinet Secretaries are Kindiki Kithure (Interior), Deborah Barasa (Health), Alice Wahome (Lands), Julius Migos (Education), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Andrew Muhia (Agriculture), Aden Duale (Environment), Eric Mureithi Muga (Water), Davis Chirchir (Roads) and Margaret Nyambura (ICT).
Others are John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs), Hassan Joho (Mining), Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Justin Muturi (Public Service).