Analysis: Examining Ruto's many task forces and their mixed results

President William Ruto’s tenure has been marked by a recurring reliance on task forces to address critical national issues, from education and health reforms to reviving sugar industries. 

This strategy has become a defining feature of his administration.

While these task forces demonstrate his intent to tackle key challenges, critics argue they highlight an overdependence on committees rather than direct action, raising doubts about their effectiveness and whether they offer genuine solutions or are merely political tools.

Despite some recommendations, few task forces have seen their proposals implemented, while others have yet to produce significant outcomes, casting doubt on their overall value.

University Funding task force
One prominent example is the 129-member University Funding Model task force, established on September 16, 2024, following public uproar over the controversial funding model. 

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Education reforms task force
In contrast, the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, formed in September 2022 and chaired by Prof. Raphael Munavu, achieved notable success. 

It recommended reducing the number of subjects in junior secondary schools (JSS), a proposal that was implemented. This stands out as one of the few success stories.

Other task forces, such as the one reviewing regulations for religious organisations  after the Shakahola massacre, have had limited impact. While the group proposed re-registering all religious institutions, some, like Pastor Ezekiel’s New Life Prayer Centre, which bypassed proper registration processes, continue to operate unchecked.

Multi-sectoral Forum task force

Some initiatives, like the 100-member task force on issues raised by Gen Z announced last year June, have faced backlash for being seen as redundant. 

Critics, including Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, argued the government already possessed sufficient data to address the concerns without forming a new committee.

Similarly, the task force on public debt auditing was halted by the High Court, which ruled it infringed on the Auditor General’s constitutional mandate. Odhiambo, appointed to this team, declined the role. 

Femicide task force
Most recently, the Femicide Task Force, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, was established on January 10, 2025, to address rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide. 

While its mandate is ambitious, its effectiveness remains to be seen.

Task forces on police reforms, the national lottery, and Shakahola have also faced criticism for inefficiency. Notably, the Shakahola task force was declared unconstitutional.

Despite their potential, many task forces appear to be temporary responses to crises, with recommendations often ignored or shelved. 

For a country aiming to reduce expenditures and government excesses, these committees are increasingly viewed as costly and ineffective solutions that burden taxpayers.