President William Ruto of Kenya is set to overhaul his Cabinet by scrapping seven ministries and dismissing seven Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and 15 Principal Secretaries (PSs).
This move, expected to be announced soon, aims to reduce public spending and improve the efficiency of government operations.
The restructuring comes in response to recent protests by Gen Z activists who have voiced strong concerns over government corruption and wastage.
These protests have put pressure on Ruto's administration to make drastic changes to address public discontent and improve governance.
The ministries to be scrapped or merged include:
1. Ministry of Defence
2. Ministry of Interior
3. Ministry of Energy
4. Ministry of Health
5. Ministry of Education
6. National Treasury
7. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation
The restructuring will reduce the number of ministries from 22 to 15, combining certain roles and responsibilities to streamline government operations.
Reasons for the Reshuffle
The decision to reorganize the Cabinet follows a 40-minute meeting between President Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
The meeting underscored the urgent need to address the rising wage bill and curb financial wastage in the government.
This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to restore public trust and demonstrate a commitment to reducing corruption.
The protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which partly triggered the Cabinet reshuffle, have had a significant impact on businesses, especially in Eldoret.
According to Willy Kenei, chairman of the Uasin Gishu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, businesses in the town lost approximately KSh 500 million due to looting and property damage.
High-profile establishments, such as Club Timba XO, suffered major losses, and various shops were looted during the unrest.