No Harambees Allowed for State Officers; CAS Positions Phased Out: Ruto Unveils New Austerity Measures

Ruto has halted harambees by the state officers

President William Ruto has announced a series of austerity measures aimed at aligning the country's budgetary expenditure with the implications of the withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024.

Speaking from State House in Nairobi on Friday afternoon, President Ruto disclosed plans to dissolve approximately 47 government agencies with overlapping mandates, integrating their staff into parent ministries. This consolidation, he emphasized, aims to streamline operations and reduce previous expenditures on administration and maintenance.

Additionally, President Ruto declared a suspension in the appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) and mandated a 50% reduction in the number of advisers serving the Executive. He further outlined cuts, including the elimination of budget lines for the First Lady, Spouse of the Deputy President, and Prime Cabinet Secretary, along with reductions in confidential budgets and government-wide renovation expenditures.

In a move to enhance efficiency, President Ruto announced that public servants reaching the retirement age of 60 must retire promptly without extensions. He also imposed a 12-month freeze on the acquisition of new government vehicles, exempting only security agencies, and announced plans to establish a new framework for the transportation of public officers.

Moreover, all non-essential travel by State and public officers has been suspended, and participation in fundraising events ("harambees") prohibited. President Ruto directed the Attorney General to prepare legislation ensuring structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes.

Concluding his address, President Ruto hinted at imminent government changes, possibly including a Cabinet reshuffle, to complement the announced measures.