Taxpayers Bear the Brunt as Ruto’s Government Continues to Expand

By James Nyaga

President William Ruto’s recent nomination of 14 new Principal Secretaries has reignited debate over the growing size of the Kenya Kwanza government and its financial implications for taxpayers.

While these appointments aim to enhance governance efficiency, critics argue that the expanding public service is becoming unsustainable, especially as Kenyans face a high cost of living.

Since taking office, President Ruto has made numerous appointments, expanding both the Cabinet and various government agencies.

His administration defends these moves as necessary for effective service delivery and fulfilling the Kenya Kwanza agenda.

However, the latest nominations have intensified concerns over the wage bill, as more officials mean higher salaries, allowances, and operational costs.

Read also:Ruto’s Bottom-Up Approach: Can It Secure Him a Second Term in 2027

Opposition leaders and economic analysts warn that an enlarged government contradicts Ruto’s earlier pledges of austerity and fiscal discipline.

“We cannot keep talking about cutting costs while creating new positions that require billions to sustain,” said Albert Kasembeli, a political analyst.

He argues that Kenya’s economy is currently under pressure, with increased taxation, a weakening shilling, and rising debt repayments, which will further burden the common citizen.

The recent Finance Act introduced additional levies on businesses and ordinary citizens, fueling frustrations over government spending.

Critics argue that instead of expanding the executive, the government should focus on reducing unnecessary expenditures and improving efficiency within the existing framework.

The president nominated 14 candidates for the principal Secretaries positions, including Jane Kare Imbunya (State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development), Regina Akoth Ombam (State Department for Trade), Cyrell Wagunda Odede (Public Investment and Asset Management), Caroline Wanjiru Karugu (East African Community Affairs), Oluga Fredrick Ouma (Medical Services), and Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim (National Government Co-ordination).

Others include Judith Naiyai Pareno (Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs), Bonface Makokha (Economic Planning), Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat (Science, Research and Innovation), Stephen Isaboke (Broadcasting and Telecommunications), Michael Lenasalon (Devolution), Fikirini Katoi Kahindi (Youth Affairs), Carren Ageng’o Achieng (Children Welfare Services), and Aden Abdi Millah (Shipping and Maritime Affairs).

In a shift of governance, President Ruto made changes in the organization of government to harness opportunities in emerging sectors of the economy.

The creation of new State Departments, such as Public Investments and Assets Management and Science, Research, and Innovation, reflects this strategy.

However, critics remain skeptical, viewing these appointments as political rewards rather than merit-based selections.