President William Ruto has unveiled stringent measures targeting public officers who misuse public resources. The announcement was made during a State House briefing that followed the swearing-in of 19 new Cabinet Secretaries.
President Ruto’s latest move, aimed at reinforcing his commitment to eradicating corruption, involves the introduction of a surcharge system. This measure, described as an additional fee or payment imposed over the original cost, will hold accounting officers and other public officials accountable for any misuse of public funds. The surcharge will be levied in accordance with Article 226 (5), 201 (d), and 232 (b) of the Constitution, which emphasize accountability and prudent management of public resources.
During his address, Ruto highlighted the importance of enhancing accountability within the public sector. He emphasized that the newly reconstituted Cabinet would focus on accelerating development while building on the progress made over the past two years. A key area of this focus will be the fight against corruption, with the surcharge mechanism expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Ruto’s plan also includes a comprehensive framework for vetting all public officers to scrutinize their sources of wealth. This measure is designed to uncover any discrepancies or illicit gains that could indicate corruption or misuse of public funds. In addition, the President has pledged that all corruption-related cases will be resolved within a six-month timeframe, underscoring his administration’s commitment to swift justice.
One of the significant aspects of Ruto’s anti-corruption strategy is the enhancement of whistleblower protection. The President believes that a critical component of the fight against corruption is creating an environment where whistleblowers feel safe and incentivized to report unethical practices. To this end, he has proposed amendments to the Witness Protection Act, aiming to offer better protection and incentives for those who come forward with information on corruption. Furthermore, Ruto has engaged with parliamentary leaders to expedite the enactment of the Conflict of Interests Bill, which he intends to sign into law to bolster the effectiveness of these measures.
In terms of financial management, President Ruto has announced plans to adopt a zero-based budgeting system in the next financial year. This approach requires that all expenses be justified for each new period, promoting greater fiscal discipline and transparency. Additionally, the process for refunding Value Added Tax (VAT) will be overhauled to enhance accountability. Ruto pointed out that the government spends approximately Ksh.400 billion annually on VAT refunds, and he anticipates that a more transparent refund process will redirect substantial funds towards investment projects, furthering national development.
The President’s address concluded with a call to the new Cabinet Secretaries to work collaboratively to achieve their mandates and contribute to the country’s transformation. He reiterated his commitment to being a steward of public resources and stressed that his support for his ministers would be contingent upon their alignment with his accountability to the Kenyan people.
In summary, President Ruto’s announcement marks a significant step towards reinforcing accountability within the Kenyan government. By implementing a surcharge system, enhancing whistleblower protection, and adopting a zero-based budgeting approach, Ruto aims to tackle corruption head-on and ensure that public resources are used effectively and responsibly.
