11/07/2024
Statement by His Excellency William Ruto, C.G.H.; Ph.D.; President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces on Changes in the National Government Executive
July 11, 2024
State House, Nairobi
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Over the past two years, our government has rallied the country behind the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the foundation upon which we were elected in the democratic 2022 General Election. This strategic plan has driven significant progress and reforms across various sectors of our national landscape, leading to transformative changes aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Kenyans.
Achievements Under BETA
1. Agricultural Reforms:
- We have increased food production by reducing the cost of farm inputs, leading to a lower cost of food and living.
- The economy has been stabilized by preventing an imminent debt default, stabilizing fuel prices, lowering inflation, and maintaining a stable foreign exchange regime.
2. Educational Advancements:
- We have resolved uncertainties surrounding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
- A new student-focused higher education funding model has been rolled out, emphasizing support for students from vulnerable families.
- Employment of 56,000 teachers for primary and secondary schools and 2,000 tutors for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions has improved the student-teacher ratio.
3. Social Welfare Improvements:
- Bottlenecks in the cash transfer program for vulnerable Kenyans, including orphans, the elderly, and people living with severe disabilities, have been resolved, ensuring timely stipends.
4. Financial Inclusivity:
- The Hustler Fund has registered 22 million borrowers, with 2 million benefiting daily.
- Seven million Kenyans previously denied financial services by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) are now off the blacklisting roll.
5. Affordable Housing:
- Over 100,000 housing units are under construction nationwide, employing 160,000 young people.
6. Manufacturing and Economic Expansion:
- Eighteen County Aggregation and Industrial Parks and six new Special Economic Zones are under construction.
- Two hundred integrated fresh produce markets are being developed to support farmers and traders.
- Levies on clinker importation have saved KSh20 billion in foreign exchange, and levies on imported steel billets have revitalized 11 steel factories, now employing 16,000 workers and saving KSh110 billion in foreign exchange.
7. Digital Transformation:
- Seventeen thousand government services are now online.
- Two hundred seventy-four digital hubs, including those in TVET colleges, are operational.
8. Healthcare Initiatives:
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has onboarded 107,000 community health promoters.
- Registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund is ongoing, ready for launch on October 1, 2024.
Legislative Developments
Regarding the measures announced last week barring State and public officers from engaging in Harambee, the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill is now ready for publication tomorrow.
Reflecting on Progress and Future Direction
Despite the substantial progress, I recognize the high expectations of the Kenyan people and believe this administration can achieve the most extensive transformation in our nation's history. Recent events, including the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, necessitate a review and reorganization of our budget and fiscal management.
Executive Decisions
After thorough reflection, listening to the people's voices, and a comprehensive appraisal of my Cabinet's performance, I have decided, in accordance with the powers vested in me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, to dismiss all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General, except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, with immediate effect.
Path Forward
I will engage in extensive consultations across various sectors and political formations to establish a broad-based government. This new government will help accelerate and expedite the necessary, urgent, and irreversible implementation of radical programs to address the debt burden, raise domestic resources, expand job opportunities, eliminate wastage and duplication of government agencies, and combat corruption. This will make the government lean, inexpensive, effective, and efficient.
Continuity and Future Announcements
Government operations will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials. I will announce additional measures in due course.
Thank you, and God Bless Kenya.
