Treasury hits CSs, MPs and government bosses with 4 new spending restrictions

Acting Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani on Thursday announced news cuts that will apply to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the National Government, Judiciary, Parliament, Independent Offices and Commissions.

In a circular sent to newsrooms, CS Yattani has introduced four strategies that will see government reduce expenditure to some degree.

First off, CSs, MPs and CEOs will not be allowed to travel with a party larger than four people for the CS and three people for PSs and CEOs. The number being inclusive of the team leader.

Acting Treasury Ukur Yattani hits Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament and Government bosses with 4 new spending restrictions Pulse Live Kenya

While making the announcement, Yattani also suspended all benching marking and study tours and directed that foreign travel be reduced.

He further directed that all training programmes to be conducted at the Kenya School of Government and other government training institutions.

Newspaper supplements to advertise government projects suspended - Ukur Yattani

Second, the CS has directed that all domestic flights by the various state officials should all be economy class.

Third, the CS suspended all state organs from taking out newspaper supplements to advertise government projects.

It has become custom for county governments and even government departments to place up to eight page spreads during anniversaries and launch of new projects. A full-page ad can cost up to Sh300,000 depending on its placement.

"Accounting Officers should henceforth stop the usage of newspaper supplements to publicize strategic plans, service charters or events and emphasize use of Ministry’s websites," the CS stated.

Acting Treasury Ukur Yattani hits Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament and Government bosses with 4 new spending restrictions Pulse Live Kenya

Lastly, the CS directed strict adherence to the curfew on use of government vehicles.

Yattani emphasized that accounting officers should ensure all government vehicles bear GoK number plates and are only used during working hours unless there is written authorization to operate outside the normal hours.