by Joe Aura
contact info: aurajoe6@gmail
{image by REUTERS}
Nairobi, Kenya – July 11, 2024:
In a significant move, President William Ruto announced sweeping changes to the national government executive, citing the need for a leaner, more efficient administration to meet the high expectations of the Kenyan people.
Over the past two years, the government has focused on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the platform upon which President Ruto was elected in the 2022 General Election. “We have made significant progress in increasing food production, stabilizing the economy, and lowering the cost of living,” stated Ruto, highlighting key achievements such as stabilizing fuel prices and reducing inflation.
The education sector has seen radical changes, including the resolution of uncertainties around the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and the introduction of a new student-focused higher education funding model. “We have employed 56,000 teachers for primary and secondary schools and 2,000 tutors for Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions,” said the President.
Ruto also addressed improvements in social welfare, particularly the cash transfer program for vulnerable Kenyans. “Beneficiaries now receive their stipends simultaneously with public servants’ salaries,” he noted. The Hustler Fund, aimed at increasing financial inclusion, has registered 22 million borrowers and removed 7million Kenyans from the Credit Reference Bureau blacklist.
Housing and manufacturing have also been focal points. “Our Affordable Housing Programme has over 100,000 units under construction, employing 160,000 young people,” Ruto announced. Additionally, levies on imported clinker and steel billets have revived local manufacturing, saving significant foreign exchange and creating jobs.
The digital transformation agenda is progressing, with 17,000 government services now online and 274 digital hubs operational. In healthcare, 107,000 community health promoters have been onboarded, and the Social Health Insurance Fund is set for launch on October 1, 2024.
In a decisive action, President Ruto dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General, except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. “This decision follows a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet,” Ruto explained emphasizing the need for a broad-based government to expedite necessary reforms.
During the transitional period, government operations will continue under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other officials. “I will engage in extensive consultations to set up a government that can effectively address debt, job creation, and corruption,” concluded Ruto.
Further measures are expected to be announced in due course.