President William Ruto has announced that the government will propose legal changes to close loopholes that undermine the fight against corruption.
Speaking during an inspection of development programs in Mombasa and Kilifi counties, President Ruto emphasized that the Executive will work with the criminal justice system to ensure corruption cases are resolved within six months.
He highlighted that the proposed amendments aim to prevent the corrupt from using injunctions to evade prosecution or delay justice.
“We cannot continue tolerating those who steal from the public to go to court and obtain injunctions while the cases drag on for years,” he stated.
The President was accompanied by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Governors Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Issa Timamy (Lamu), Godhana Dhadho (Tana River), and various MPs and MCAs.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to the prudent use of public funds to ensure Kenyans receive value for their money, redirecting funds previously earmarked for office renovations, seminars, and vehicles to projects that benefit the people.
Additionally, President Ruto announced that the government will address the challenge of tax expenditure to reduce or eliminate funds spent on tax refunds, pointing out that the current process is opaque.
This move aims to save money that can be used for development. He urged leaders and Kenyans to unite and focus on transforming the country.
Fight Against Corruption
The President also highlighted investments in the blue economy at the Coast to enhance residents’ earnings. The government is improving infrastructure at five fish landing sites in Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale through a KSh1.2 billion project.
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“Value addition facilities complete with coolers will reduce losses and enhance the earnings of the fishing communities,” he noted.
Plans to build three fish markets in Likoni, Malindi, and Kibuyuni are at an advanced stage, as is the construction of the National Mariculture Resources and Training Centre in Shimoni.
To further boost the blue economy, President Ruto revealed that the government has licensed the first deep-sea vessel for industrial fishing.
“Our goal is to ensure that the blue economy enhances our country’s income from KSh20 billion a year to KSh120 billion,” he said.
In Mombasa, the President issued KSh1.7 billion in grants to 612 fishing groups from Mombasa, Tana River, Kwale, Lamu, and Kilifi, benefiting 19,000 residents. “The aim is to uplift the living standards of fishing communities by increasing their earnings,” he explained.
In Watamu, Kilifi County, he laid the foundation stone for the KSh50 million Watamu Market, one of eight markets being built in the county.
Under the ongoing KSh27 billion Last Mile Connectivity program, Kilifi County has been allocated KSh1 billion to connect an additional 15,000 residents to electricity. He added that the KSh2 billion Baricho Water Project will significantly address water challenges in the region.
Governor Nassir acknowledged his past opposition to the President and his administration but stated that he is now working closely with the government to transform Mombasa County.
He praised the government’s efforts to strengthen the blue economy for the benefit of the people and expressed confidence in the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet nominee Hassan Joho, citing his understanding of the sector’s challenges.
