President William Ruto has issued a set of critical instructions to the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries as they prepare to assume their duties. During a speech at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, President Ruto emphasized the importance of accountability and the fight against corruption as top priorities for his government.
Emphasis on Accountability and Anti-Corruption Measures
Ruto highlighted that the first task for the Cabinet Secretaries will be to ensure strict accountability within their respective ministries. He announced the introduction of measures to surcharge any public official responsible for the loss of public resources.
“To enhance accountability, we shall introduce measures to surcharge any accounting officer or any other public officer who has occasioned the loss of public resources,” Ruto stated.
Additionally, the President stressed the need to eliminate ghost worker payroll fraud across all levels of government. He revealed plans to implement a unified identification system for all government employees, including those in constitutional offices.
Mandatory Vetting and Wealth Declaration
President Ruto instructed the Cabinet to oversee the mandatory vetting of all public officers and to establish a framework for wealth declaration. He also indicated that his administration would propose measures to ensure that all corruption cases are resolved within six months, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Economic Management and Zero-Based Budgeting
On the economic front, President Ruto announced that the country would adopt a zero-based budgeting system in the 2025/26 financial year. This approach aims to reorient government expenditure and ensure more efficient use of resources.
“As pertains to the management of public expenditure, I believe that the time has come for us to break new ground. That is why, beginning in the 2025/26 financial year, we shall adopt a zero-based budgeting system to reorient the budgeting and expenditure framework of the Government,” Ruto explained.
Digitization to Combat Corruption
To further combat corruption, President Ruto revealed plans to digitize all procurement processes, making them more transparent and less prone to manipulation. This initiative will be complemented by the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Bill, which aims to curb unethical practices in public service.
“Similarly, we shall exploit the power of information and communication technology to radically diminish opportunities for corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office by digitizing procurement and making it open and transparent,” Ruto stated.
Promoting Local Manufacturing and Employment
In addition to anti-corruption efforts, President Ruto urged the Cabinet Secretaries to develop policies that would promote local manufacturing industries. This, he noted, would create more employment opportunities and support the growth of the economy.
“I give you my assurance of my full support in discharging your mandates, and in executing a reimagined and catalyzed transformation agenda. However, it is important to make it clear that my support for you ends if it conflicts with my accountability to the people of Kenya,” Ruto asserted.
Newly Appointed Cabinet Secretaries
The newly sworn-in Cabinet Secretaries include Kindiki Kithure (Interior), Deborah Barasa (Health), Alice Wahome (Lands), Julius Migos (Education), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Andrew Muhia (Agriculture), Aden Duale (Environment), Eric Mureithi Muga (Water), Davis Chirchir (Roads), and Margaret Nyambura (ICT). Others are John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs), Hassan Joho (Mining), Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Justin Muturi (Public Service).
