The government of Kenya has ordered all Ministries, State Departments, and State Corporations to stop buying branded cups, T-shirts, umbrellas and other promotional materials.

In a circular released on Wednesday March 27, 2024, head of Public Service Felix noted that the move is aimed at cutting down on government expenditure.

Koskei directed all cabinet secretaries to optimize their operations and minimize expenditure of public resources in line with guidelines issued by the National Treasury.

“Suspend and immediately cease the purchase of promotional merchandise such as calendars, diaries, umbrellas, power banks, key holders, bags, flasks, cups, branded traditional blankets (shukas) and notebooks,” Koskei noted.

He added that the move is part of the government’s austerity measures aimed at minimising expenditure on unnecessary items.

The head of public service emphasized that the directive should be implemented immediately and any leader found not adhering to the order will be dealt with accordingly.

This comes a day after President William Ruto directed that his Kenya Kwanza government, including State corporations, must operate within its means. 

At the same time, President Ruto on March 26 also directed the Chief Executive officers (CEOs) of public institutions to reduce their recurrent budgets by 30 percent.

Meanwhile, commercial State corporations were ordered to start remitting 80 percent of their profits after tax to the National Treasury.

“We will give you directions on what to do with the remaining 20 per cent,” the President noted.