Kenyan President William Ruto is set to scrap a planned tax hike, due to nationwide protests that lasted for weeks.
Ruto pledged on Friday to cut the cost of governance totaling 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 protest.
According to Ruto, among ways his government will cut spending is the dissolution of 47 state corporations, reducing the number of advisors in government 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, public servants at the retirement age of 60, shall be required to retire immediately,” Ruto said.
The president said he would announce government changes soon, as there would be a forensic audit of the country’s debt.
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