Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a 177 billion budget cut to seal the budget hole left after the withdrawal of the finance bill. This comes after protests led to the cancellation of contentious tax hikes, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people.
The country erupted into chaos when peaceful demonstrations against high tax rises turned violent. Police fired at crowds that stormed parliament.
Mostly led by young Kenyans, the protests reflected widespread anger over an annual finance bill. Ruto had to scrap the bill, warning of a huge funding gap.
Ruto announced several belt-tightening measures including the absorption of 47 state-run organisations and companies with other departments.
The office of the first lady and that of the deputy president’s spouse will cease to exist and the number of government advisors slashed by half.
“All non-essential travel by state and public officers is hereby suspended,” he added.
