Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday, July 5, appointed an independent taskforce to conduct a forensic audit of the country's public debt, aiming to reduce government spending and proposed spending cuts and additional borrowing in roughly equal measure to fill a budget hole caused by his withdrawal of planned tax hikes in the face of nationwide protests.

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The Kenyan president earlier scrapped the finance bill containing the tax increases in response to violent demonstrations in the country.

Addressing a televised news conference in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, Ruto said the last two weeks have been a difficult time "for us as a country where Kenyans have regrettably lost their lives, many have been injured, property destroyed and our constitutional institutions attacked.”

"Once again, I extend my deepest condolences to those who unfortunately lost their lives. One life lost is a life too many. To the mothers, fathers, siblings, relatives, and friends of those who died, my deepest sympathies and condolences. Equally, to the many others who are injured and recuperating, we wish them a quick recovery. The government of Kenya will support all those affected.”

According to the state-funded Kenya National Human Rights Commission, more than 40 people have been killed and property of unknown value destroyed during the protests.

Public debt is and continues to be a major concern in Kenya, Ruto said, announcing that he had appointed an independent taskforce to carry out a comprehensive forensic audit "of our public debt” and report within three months.

"This audit will provide the people of Kenya with clarity on the extent and nature of the debt, how public resources were

expended, and will recommend proposals for managing our public debt in a manner that is sustainable and with intergenerational equity.”

Ruto announced the dissolution of 47 state agencies, the suspension of non-essential travel for government workers, a halt to the purchase of government vehicles except for security agencies, and the elimination of budgets for some offices of the first and second ladies.

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The new proposed austerity measures also include suspension of the Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) office, presidential advisors reduced by 50 percent with immediate effect, removal of confidential budget in State House, renovations reduced by 50 percent, no extension past 60-year retirement for all civil servants, and no state officers and public servants participating in ha