NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto is set to overhaul his advisory team and initiate a cabinet reshuffle.
This move comes on the heels of massive public protests agitating for reforms.
The decision to streamline the bloated list of advisors comes as a shock to many within the corridors of power.
Sources close to the presidency indicate that a significant number of advisors are already in panic mode, anxiously awaiting their fate.
“The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50 percent within the public service, with immediate effect,” President Ruto announced in a bold address.
The announcement follows two weeks of intense protests, initially sparked by the controversial Financial Bill 2024. The demonstrations quickly evolved into a broader call for sweeping government reforms, including a crackdown on corruption.
The protests, led primarily by the youth, saw more than 40 people killed and hundreds injured as police clashed with demonstrators.
The violence and widespread destruction of property have left a deep scar on the nation, prompting the President to take decisive action.
Amid the chaos, there were also reports of abductions targeting key protest figures, further fueling public anger and demands for justice.
The youth of Kenya have garnered admiration from across Africa for their courage and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring similar movements in other nations.
In his address, President Ruto acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for reform.
He outlined a series of measures aimed at cutting government wastage and restoring public trust.
“The budgetary provisions for confidential budgets in various Executive Offices, including my office, shall be removed, and the budget for renovations across the government reduced by 50 percent,” the President declared, signaling a new era of fiscal prudence.
The reshuffling of the cabinet is expected to be another significant step in the President’s plan to rejuvenate his administration.
Insiders suggest that several high-profile ministers may be moved or replaced as part of this sweeping reorganization.
For many of the President’s advisors, the writing is on the wall. The panic and uncertainty gripping them reflect the broader sentiment of a government under intense scrutiny and pressure to deliver meaningful change.
Further, he said the purchase of new motor vehicles by the government had been suspended for 12 months, except for security agencies.
“A new policy on transport for public officers will be developed within this period,” he said.
The President added that, “all non-essential travel by state and public officers is hereby suspended.”
This includes a ban on all state officers and public servants from participating in Harambees.
