PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO/PHOTO COURTESY
President William Ruto has directed ministries to reduce their 2023/2024 budget by 10% in order to balance spending with available funds in light of the current state of the world’s economy.
While presiding over a cabinet meeting at the state house, President Ruto emphasized the need for the government to exercise caution in the use of resources. He was adamant that corruption and wastage would not be tolerated.
The Head of State also emphasized the need for tighter control by issuing a warning to government officials who want to avoid using a unified payment system.
To alleviate price volatility, it was determined that the government would set aside KSH.4 billion to purchase maize from farmers.
The Cabinet also emphasized the value of helping farmers store and dry their goods in order to reduce harvest losses.
The cabinet also adopted the National Lottery Bill, 2023, the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, and the Gambling Policy, 2023 all of which will be sent to parliament.
These Bills are meant to act as a foundation for reshaping the gambling sector into an engine of social advancement.
They want to use technology for a responsible and thriving sector, increase regulation, and address perceptions of heavy taxation.
The immediate partial lifting of the prohibition on the issue of new mineral rights for industrial and construction minerals was agreed upon by the cabinet, which was another significant action.
It was noted that the lifting will occur gradually as the government develops methods for their exploitation, ensuring Kenyans benefit.
The Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to decriminalize artisanal mining, is in line with this.
The meeting also approved the creation of a special unit tasked with compliance and enforcement against unlawful mining and mineral smuggling and declared mineral smuggling to be an economic crime.
In addition, the Cabinet approved building a brand-new stadium with 60,000 seats in time for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eldoret’s Moi International Sports Centre-Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium are all slated for renovation ahead of the continental competition.
