Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura during a weekly press briefing on Friday at KICC
The government, through its spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura, has announced a series of transformative reforms and initiatives aimed at propelling the country’s development, enhancing security, and fostering inclusivity. The initiatives span multiple sectors, from tax reforms and healthcare to education and regional cooperation.
These announcements coincide with President William Ruto’s participation in the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania. The summit, marking the 25th anniversary of the East African Community (EAC), is focused on tackling transnational crime, border security, and youth unemployment.
Bilateral talks are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in energy, agriculture, and digital innovation, with an overarching goal of removing trade barriers.
Under its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the government is working to bridge the fiscal deficit. Although Kenya’s public debt has reduced from 73 percent to 68 percent of GDP, it remains above the recommended 55 percent threshold. To address this, the National Treasury has developed the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, alongside other bills aimed at increasing revenue collection.
The Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is also in the pipeline, targeting improved investment, consumer protection, and streamlined trade operations. These bills have undergone public participation, reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in policy-making.
As Kenya marks 20 years since the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, Dr. Mwaura highlighted significant strides in governance, education, and sports. The National Council for Persons with Disabilities has been instrumental in advocating for inclusion, with individuals living with disabilities now holding key positions across government and other sectors.
With the country observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the government has reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the worrying rise in GBV cases.
In the past three months alone, 97 incidents have been reported. Dr. Mwaura stressed the importance of collective action to ensure the safety and empowerment of women.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has disbursed over KES 3.7 billion to settle pending claims and support programs like Linda Mama. Additionally, the transition of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) staff to the Public Service Commission is in progress to enhance service delivery. The government has called on striking doctors to return to the negotiating table to prevent disruptions in healthcare services.
The Ministry of Education has released the 2025 school calendar, with Term 1 scheduled to begin on January 6. In a bid to safeguard students, the government is clamping down on 2,257 alcohol outlets located within 300 meters of schools, emphasizing their detrimental impact on student welfare.
President Ruto celebrated the success of the e-Citizen platform, which has transformed access to public services. Launched a year ago, the platform now boasts 13 million active users, offering over 20,000 services and significantly reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
In a major boost to the livestock sector, the government has launched a nationwide vaccination drive targeting 22 million cattle to combat diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This initiative aims to bolster food security, enhance export potential, and improve public health.
Dr. Mwaura urged Kenyans to support these initiatives, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, and secure nation. Through this multi-sectoral approach, Kenya aims to build a future where all citizens can thrive.