Kenya’s President William Ruto has urged the country’s doctors to understand that the government faces financial limitations regarding the funds it can spend on their salaries and allowances.
He was speaking during a church service at Africa Inland Church (AIC) Fellowship in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county. Addressing the congregation, President Ruto acknowledged the invaluable role doctors and interns play in the healthcare sector while also highlighting the government’s financial constraints.
He stated, “The resources we have are only sufficient to pay KSh70,000 for intern doctors. This is not a salary; it is a stipend for only one year. Afterwards, they will be employed.”
President Ruto spoke on the government’s commitment to absorbing all 1,500 doctor interns at the stipulated amount per month. He highlighted the necessity of living within the country’s means, expressing concern over the current state of the wage bill.
“We are spending KSh1.1 trillion of the KSh2.2 trillion revenue we collect every year to pay salaries and allowances. This is way above what we should be spending on salaries,” remarked President Ruto.
In his address, President Ruto announced Kenya’s plans to host a conference aimed at addressing the nation’s wage bill between 15th and 17th April. He noted the importance of reducing the wage bill to free up resources for youth empowerment, healthcare, education, and other critical sectors.
Furthermore, President Ruto outlined the government’s efforts to streamline its budget, aiming to reduce it from KSh4.2 trillion to KSh3.7 trillion. He urged Kenyans to engage in honest discussions about the country’s challenges and pledged to lead by example.
President Ruto also revealed the positive outcomes of the government’s decisions, such as subsidising production, leading to increased food security and lower prices. He urged farmers to capitalise on the rainy season to bolster food production and reduce the need for imports.
“I will continue the path of making the right decisions for the country because you can never be wrong if you make the right decisions even though they may not be popular or easy,” the President Ruto affirmed.
