President William Ruto has said that he has appointed a task force to audit Kenya’s public debt.
Speaking on Friday, July 5, 2024, Ruto said the appointed task force will carry out a comprehensive forensic audit of the country’s debt.
The Head of State also pointed out that he will propose to the National Assembly a budget cut of Ksh177 billion and borrow the difference, to curb the budget deficit.
Report within 3 months
Ruto said that Kenya’s public debt has continued to spark a debate in the country, noting that the task force appointed is independent.
The task force, Ruto says, is supposed to issue its comprehensive report in a period of three months.
“Public debt continues to be a major point of conversation in Kenya and today, I’ve appointed an independent task force to carry out a comprehensive forensic audit of our debt and report to us in the next three months,” Ruto said.
The Presidential Taskforce on Forensic Audit of Public Debt shall be chaired by Nancy Onyango who will be deputized by Luis G. Franceschi.
The Task Force members will be CPA Philip Kaikai, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, Shammah Kiteme, and Vincent Kimosop.
The Joint Secretaries of the Task Force will be Abraham Rugo and Aaron Thegeya.
Ruto’s response to demos
Ruto in his State of the Nation address said the decision is part of the actions taken in response to overwhelming public feedback in recent days.
Kenyans, especially the Gen Zs, have been on the streets for three weeks protesting against the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, and other issues relating to the cost of living.
This, Ruto says, is a way of fulfilling his commitment to continuously and effectively listen to the people of Kenya.
Ruto further stated that the move underscores his intention to always take public contributions in good faith, applying them to enrich policymaking and governance.
“I make this statement to highlight the actions taken in response to overwhelming public feedback in recent days, to fulfill my commitment to continuously and effectively listen to the people of Kenya, and to underscore my intention to always take public contributions in good faith, applying them to enrich policymaking and governance,” Ruto said.
Other key reforms include reducing the number of government advisors by 50 per cent, and removing the confidential budget including for his office following an uproar from the public.
“Accordingly, in keeping with the enhanced austerity measures we have committed to implement, and align government expenditures with the budgetary implications of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024, the following actions shall be taken with immediate effect towards the realization of the new budget.
“The number of advisors in government shall be reduced by 50% within the public service, with immediate effect. 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,” Ruto stated.
The protests held across the country for two weeks left more than 40 people dead, and more than 300 others injured.
President Ruto said he be making key changes in his government, with analysts pointing to possible dismissals of top officials in the Cabinet and security sector.
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale are among the leaders that had called on Ruto to dissolve his Cabinet.