Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has explained how President William Ruto can reduce the 2024/25 budget estimates without disrupting service delivery and development projects.
Speaking on Monday, June 24, Kuria said the government should stop overspending and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Kuria stated that government officials should lead by example in championing Ruto’s calls to ‘live within our means.’
He said the government can reduce budget allocations if the officials ‘cut their coats according to their size.’
“I believe that we are able to cut close to 30% of our budget without affecting government delivery by just focusing on living within our means,” Kuria said.
Moses Kuria Opposes Govt Seminars
The CS also revealed that he hates the numerous seminars held by his colleagues and other government officials.
Kuria stated that the seminars are not very useful and are just a way of getting money and other benefits from the government.
“I think there are a lot of seminars. When you call people, seven out of ten of them are in Naivasha. It is just a way for people to get allowances,” he said.
Additionally, the CS accused government officers of misusing funds while attending these seminars and functions.
Mombasa Trip Lesson
He recalled his last trip to Mombasa where the ministry sent a driver, bodyguards, and a car ahead of him.
“The other day, I didn’t know. I thought I would have another car in Mombasa since I was only there for a day. But I found my driver, bodyguard, and vehicle had gone all the way to Mombasa, and I said this is too much; I didn’t ask for this,” he said.
Moses Kuria criticized the move and had since launched a campaign to stop government officials from enjoying such privileges, which add to the burden of the taxpayers.
“I am driving policy to block people who are traveling to Mombasa from having their drivers, bodyguards, and vehicles going to the Coast. But the justification I am given is that I have not had a trip in two consecutive months,” Kuria said.
Additionally, the CS said there are other aspects of the current government that don’t sit well with him.
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Fixing Overspending
Kuria explained that the government should fix the expenditure first because that is what is within their control.
“There are a host of other things. Call me here after six months and ask me this question. I am leading this exercise of ensuring that we cut waste and unnecessary expenditure,” he said.
He admitted that the government is wasteful, living beyond its means with several expenditures that can be reduced.
Gen Z Protests
Kuria said the protesters are right to demand the government cut spending and curb misuse of funds.
“Kenyans are right to demand of us to live within our means. When it comes to how we spend our taxes, if that is what Gen Z is, then I am Gen Z squared,” he said.
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‘Living Within Your Means’ Mandatory Courses
The CS said he has introduced a mandatory course in government called ‘Living Within Your Means’ at the Kenya School of Government.
He stated that all civil servants will have to undergo the training to learn how to spend government funds appropriately.
“If they don’t know how to live within our means, I will teach them. We cannot be spending all the money that Kenyans are already complaining about on mandazi, travels, and things with no benefit,” he said.
However, he maintained that a finance bill is part of the Constitution and crucial for government operations.
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