NAIROBI, Kenya – In a move to tighten government spending, President William Ruto has announced the suspension of budget allocations for the offices of the First Lady, the spouse of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
This significant measure is part of a broader effort to address Kenya’s fiscal challenges following the withdrawal of the 2024/25 finance bill due to nationwide protests.
Speaking during the State of the Nation address, President Ruto detailed several austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditure and realigning priorities.
He emphasized that the decision to cut these budgets underscores the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient use of public resources.
“We must ensure that every shilling is spent wisely and transparently,” President Ruto stated. “Therefore, 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 immediately.”
This announcement comes amid a climate of public outcry over economic hardships and rising living costs, which had led to widespread protests.
The austerity measures are intended to demonstrate the government’s responsiveness to public sentiment and its determination to improve the country’s economic stability.
In addition to these cuts, President Ruto outlined further actions to streamline government operations, including the dissolution of 47 state corporations with overlapping functions, and a suspension of new vehicle purchases for government use.
These steps are part of a strategic plan to manage the country’s public debt more effectively and ensure that critical services continue to receive necessary funding.
The President assured that the savings from these cuts would be redirected to essential sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
