President Ruto and cabinet address aftermath of riots, future economic plans

During the meeting at State House Nairobi, chaired by President William Ruto, it was said that while the riots started as a protest against the tax measures proposed in the Finance Bill 2024, they were infiltrated, hijacked and taken over by criminal and opportunistic political forces.

The two groups have been terrorizing Kenyans in cities, towns and other urban areas for the past two weeks, leading to deaths and the destruction of national and county government buildings, infrastructure, vehicles, homes and businesses.

Due to the threat to Parliament, the Supreme Court and other infrastructure, the Cabinet was informed that all national security services, including the military, had been deployed to prevent a breach of public order.

The Cabinet was also informed that the security services have stabilised the situation and will continue to monitor developments.

Members praised the security officials, noting that they generally acted professionally in very difficult circumstances. The cabinet also noted that the security services were doing a good job in protecting the country from anarchists.

The President said the government must now focus on charting a new future for the country, noting that significant changes must be made to align with that new future.

The Cabinet has indicated that civil servants who may have acted outside the limits of the law will be dealt with in accordance with the statutory procedure and by the institutions authorised to do so.

The government also called for measures against those who have committed heinous crimes such as arson, looting and robbery. According to the government, such atrocities should not go unpunished.

On the withdrawn budget law, President Ruto said the Ministry of Finance is restructuring the budget to adapt it to the new reality.

This involves making significant budget cuts to create a ‘balance between what needs to be done and what can wait’, and ensuring that key national programmes are not affected.

“Our plan is good and solid and in the long run we will be proven right,” said President Ruto.

On the other agenda, the Cabinet discussed the implementation of the Kenya Urban Improvement Project in the Nairobi agglomeration.

This includes the phased upgrade of the 163km Nairobi Commuter Rail. The first phase of the upgrade will involve improving the 58km commuter rail line between Nairobi Central Railway Station and Thika.

The project also includes the purchase of new locomotives and the improvement of non-motorised transport infrastructure and access roads along Nairobi’s commuter rail network.

The Council of Ministers also approved the following policy rules:

Kenyan Programme for Equal Opportunities and Quality Improvement in Secondary Education

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates

Co-hosting the second edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area Youth Symposium from 5 to 7 September 2024

Bill to amend Public Finances 2024

Ratification of bilateral aviation agreements between Kenya and several countries including Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Guinea, the United Kingdom and South Korea