NAIROBI, July 5 (Xinhua) — Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday appointed an independent taskforce to conduct a forensic audit of the country’s public debt, aiming to reduce government spending.
Addressing a televised news conference in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, Ruto announced the dissolution of 47 state agencies, the suspension of non-essential travel for government workers, a halt to the purchase of government vehicles, and the elimination of budgets for some offices of the first and second ladies.
“I made a commitment to the country that the conversation in Kenya is going to change, and today that situation is true,” Ruto said, following three weeks of anti-government protests over a controversial tax hike bill and the high cost of living.
According to the state-funded Kenya National Human Rights Commission, more than 40 people have been killed and property of unknown value destroyed during the protests.
Ruto expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in the protests, affirming that his government will support those who lost their lives and those who have been injured.
