NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to streamline government operations and cut costs, President William Ruto has announced the dissolution of 47 state corporations with overlapping and duplicating functions.
This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests and the subsequent withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
In his daytime address to the nation, President Ruto emphasized that the dissolution is part of broader austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditure.
The staff from the affected corporations will be transferred to other ministries to ensure continuity of service and to mitigate the impact on public servants.
The announcement follows two weeks of intense protests that resulted in the deaths of more than 35 people and the destruction of property worth millions.
The protests, which were primarily against the Finance Bill 2024, saw hundreds of peaceful demonstrators injured as police used live bullets, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse crowds.
There were also incidents of abductions targeting key protest figures.
The protests, led by Kenya’s youth, have drawn international attention and admiration, particularly from other African nations facing similar issues of unemployment, rampant corruption, and heavy taxation.
The hashtag #RutoMustGo trended widely, reflecting the public’s frustration and demand for significant political and economic reforms.
The dissolution of the state corporations is seen as a response to the protesters’ calls for action against government inefficiency and wasteful expenditure.
It also aligns with the President’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and addressing the public’s concerns over the misuse of resources.
President Ruto has given the newly appointed independent taskforce a three-month mandate to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of Kenya’s debt, further demonstrating his administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
