Kenyan President to cut cost of governance by over $1bn

Weeks after nationwide protests that forced President William Ruto to scrap planned tax hike, he has pledged on Friday to cut cost of governance totaling to 177 billion shillings ($1.39 billion) in the fiscal year that started in July.

The government will also increase borrowing by about 169 billion shillings to cover the 346 billion shilling hole created by the decision to withdraw the finance bill that was the original spark for the protests.

Among ways his government will cut cost of governance , Ruto said 47 state corporations would be dissolved, the number of advisors in government would be reduced by 50% immediately, and all non-essential travel by public office bearers would be suspended.

“Budget lines providing for the operations of the Office of the First Lady, the spouse of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary, will be removed,” Ruto said, adding that public servants at retirement age of 60, shall be required to immediately retire.

He said there would be a forensic audit of the country’s debt and that he would also announce government changes soon.