Ruto Signs Bill Cutting Government Expenditure by Ksh145 Billion

Kenyan President William Ruto has signed the Supplementary Appropriations Bill 2024 into law, approving a reduction in government expenditure by Ksh145.7 billion. The bill aims to address a revenue shortfall of Ksh344 billion following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. Key sectors, including the presidency, medical services, and the transport sector, will see significant budget cuts. The Presidency alone will see a reduction of Ksh6 billion in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.

Despite the cuts, the bill protects critical expenditures, allocating Ksh20 billion to support farmers and enhance productivity, Ksh120.7 billion for education reforms, and Ksh31.3 billion to the Higher Education Loans Board. Additionally, Ksh16.2 billion is earmarked for health sector reforms and Universal Health Coverage. Funds have also been allocated for the confirmation of Junior Secondary School interns into permanent and pensionable terms. The bill includes a reduction of Ksh3.7 billion for Parliament and Ksh2.1 billion for the Judiciary, aiming to balance essential expenditures in agriculture, health, and education with the revised fiscal framework.