Ruto Declines to Sign Another Bill After Finance Bill Rejection

President William Ruto has declined to sign the County Allocation and Revenue Bill after the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. 

In a statement, the Head of State noted that the bill was based on expected revenues from the rejected Bill and had to be sent back to Parliament for reductions. 

At the same time, Ruto has assented to the Appropriations Bill 2024 and instructed the National Treasury to immediately prepare supplementary estimates to reduce expenditure by the amount of revenue that was expected. 

“The reduction in expenditure, amounting to Ksh346 billion, will be borne equitably by both levels of government: the National and County Governments.

“Consequently, I have referred the County Allocation and Revenue Bill, which was based on expected revenues from the rejected Finance Bill, back to Parliament for reduction accordingly,” stated Ruto. 

Ruto Declines to Sign Another Bill

Additionally, the president stated that he had directed the National Treasury to immediately submit to Parliament amendments to the Division of Revenue Act 2024.

“I have directed the National Treasury to immediately submit to Parliament amendments to the Division of Revenue Act 2024 to reflect the reduced revenues occasioned by the rejected Finance Bill,” affirmed Ruto.

Also Read:  Ruto Withdraws Finance Bill 2024, Gives Way Forward

Likewise, with respect to the National Government, the reduction will be borne by the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, and constitutional commissions.

Previously, counties had been allocated a total of Ksh400 billion. 

“The reduction in expenditure, amounting to Ksh 346 billion, will be borne equitably by both levels of government: the National and County Governments,” read part of the statement.

Additionally, only critical spending will be financed and capped at 15% of the allocated funds as per the appropriations Act 2024 until the supplementary appropriations Bill 2024 is assented to. 

This comes days, after Ruto announced that he would not sign the financial bill 2024, following the anti-finance bill protests.

While speaking to the press, Ruto stated that austerity measures would be put in place to reduce costs.

“In this regard, I direct immediate further austerity measures to reduce expenditure, starting with the Executive Office of the President and extending to the entire executive arm of government,” Ruto directed.

Also Read: Ruto Under Pressure to Dissolve Parliament & Call Fresh Elections

Ruto also said that the operational expenditure in the presidency including state house renovations and his travel budget and purchase of motor vehicle will be among expenditures cut down.

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