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The Cabinet met today at State House Nairobi to address the recent security situation following days of riots across the country. Chaired by President William Ruto, the meeting provided a comprehensive briefing on the riots that initially began as protests against the proposed tax measures in the Finance Bill 2024 but were subsequently infiltrated by criminal and opportunistic political forces.
These forces have wreaked havoc over the past two weeks, causing loss of life and extensive damage to National and County government buildings, infrastructure, vehicles, homes, and businesses across cities, towns, and urban areas. Due to the escalating threat to key infrastructures, including Parliament and the Supreme Court, national security agencies, including the military, were deployed to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.
The Cabinet was informed that security agencies have stabilized the situation and are continuing to monitor developments. Members commended the security officers for their professionalism under challenging circumstances and noted their success in protecting the country from anarchists.
President Ruto emphasized the need for the government to focus on charting a new future for the country, underscoring the necessity for significant changes to align with this new direction. He assured that any officers who acted outside the law would face legal consequences through the appropriate institutions. Additionally, the Cabinet called for action against those responsible for crimes such as arson, looting, and robbery, stressing that these atrocities must not go unpunished.
Regarding the Finance Bill 2024, President Ruto announced that the National Treasury is reorganizing the budget to accommodate the new reality, which will involve substantial budget cuts. The goal is to balance what can be implemented now and what can wait, ensuring that key national programs remain unaffected. “Our plan is good and solid and, in the fullness of time, we shall be vindicated,” President Ruto stated.
The Cabinet also discussed the implementation of the Kenya Urban Improvement Project in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, which includes the phased upgrade of the 163km Nairobi Commuter Rail. The first phase will focus on improving the 58km stretch between Nairobi Central Railway Station and Thika. The project will also include acquiring new locomotives and enhancing non-motorized transport infrastructure and feeder roads along the commuter rail network.
In addition to these discussions, the Cabinet approved several key policies and bills:
- Kenya Secondary Education Equity and Quality Improvement Programme
- Kenya-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
- Co-Hosting of the Second Edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area Youth Symposium (September 5-7, 2024)
- Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill 2024
- Ratification of Bilateral Air Services Agreements with countries including Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Guinea, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.
The government’s commitment to addressing the recent unrest and focusing on sustainable development initiatives marks a decisive step toward a more stable and prosperous future for Kenya.
