The Kenyan government has taken several decisive steps aimed at addressing critical issues facing the country. Among the key decisions made during this meeting was the approval of a presidential working group focused on developing a comprehensive strategy to combat femicide. This move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the alarming rates of gender-based violence, particularly femicide, through a multi-sectoral approach that engages various stakeholders including religious leaders, parents, schools, security agencies, and other relevant bodies. The group will be gazetted with clear terms of reference and will be tasked with delivering actionable recommendations within 90 days.
The establishment of this working group is a response to the growing crisis of femicide in Kenya, highlighting the need for a structured and collaborative approach to identify gaps in law enforcement, social values, and other contributing factors. The involvement of diverse stakeholders aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue on how to bridge these gaps and implement effective solutions. By engaging religious leaders and communities, the government hopes to leverage moral and social frameworks to address deep-rooted attitudes and behaviors that contribute to this crisis. Schools will also play a critical role in educating young people about gender equality, while security agencies will ensure that there is a robust response mechanism to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Alongside the establishment of the multi-sectoral group to combat femicide, the Cabinet approved the Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024. This proposed law is a pivotal development aimed at ensuring smoother and more unified presidential transitions in Kenya. The Bill consolidates procedures for the assumption of office and the transfer of executive authority into a single legislative framework, which will help to prevent disputes and confusion during critical transitions of power. It also introduces stricter penalties for State and public officers who obstruct the transition, with fines of up to KSh10 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. This is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to a transparent and orderly transfer of power, ensuring continuity in government operations.
To facilitate the new legislative framework, the Bill provides for security arrangements for the President-elect and Deputy President-elect equivalent to those of the sitting President and Deputy President. In cases where the outgoing President cannot attend the swearing-in ceremony, the transfer of instruments of power will be omitted without affecting the validity of the swearing-in process. The Bill also stipulates that Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries remain in office until new appointments are made by the incoming administration, ensuring continuity and stability in government operations.
In response to transportation challenges in Nairobi and the metropolitan area, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the Clean Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System. The Clean BRT Core Line 3 will significantly improve public transport reliability and infrastructure efficiency in the city, introducing predictable fare systems during both low and peak hours. The first phase of this initiative covers a 12.4 km route from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to Dandora, with plans for future extensions to Ngong Town and Tala by 2035. Core Line 3 is expected to transport 357,000 passengers daily using electric buses, managed by the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA). The system will feature cashless fare collection, real-time passenger information, GPS-based vehicle tracking, and park-and-ride facilities, representing a significant step towards sustainable and efficient public transportation in Nairobi.
Further demonstrating its commitment to addressing economic and developmental challenges, the Cabinet approved the University of Nairobi Transformation Strategy. Despite its historical significance as Kenya’s oldest institution of higher learning, the University of Nairobi has faced financial challenges, including unpaid statutory deductions, pension arrears, and pending bills totaling KSh13.2 billion. The Transformation Strategy, developed in response to President Ruto’s directive, focuses on five strategic areas: Green Jobs, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Health Research. The strategy aims to restore the university’s academic and operational excellence, aligning it with future workforce demands and ensuring it continues to produce top-tier graduates and groundbreaking research.
The Cabinet meeting concluded with the approval of the extension of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement for the import of refined petroleum products. This decision has been instrumental in stabilizing the shilling-dollar exchange rate and reducing pump prices, providing relief to Kenyans. The G-to-G arrangement allows for the payment of refined petroleum imports in Kenya shillings, easing the monthly demand for US dollars and stabilizing the fuel market. The Cabinet’s decisions reflect a focus on transformation, leadership, and sustainability, highlighting the government’s efforts to build a resilient and prosperous nation for all Kenyans.
In his closing remarks, President Ruto expressed his satisfaction with the Cabinet’s achievements throughout the year, emphasizing the shift from populism to transformation in governance. “It is not about some people, but all the people of Kenya,” he said, underscoring the government’s inclusive approach to development. As the Cabinet looks ahead to the new year, these initiatives and strategies are seen as critical steps towards achieving a more equitable and prosperous future for the country.
