The government spent Ksh.1.074 billion on local travel during the first nine months of the 2024/25 Financial Year, raising concerns about the effectiveness of austerity measures under President William Ruto’s administration
This is according to the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o’s National Government Budget Implementation Review Report, which covered the first nine months of FY 2024/25.
During the period, the government’s expenditure was Ksh.1.2 trillion, representing 70 per cent of the revised gross estimates.
Out of this, the State blew Ksh.11.6 billion on domestic travel and Ksh.5.1 billion on foreign travel.
President Ruto’s office spent Ksh.145.36 million on domestic travel and Ksh.30 million on foreign travel. On the other hand, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office splashed more cash on domestic travel at Ksh.196.22 million while spending Ksh.22 million on foreign travel.
According to the report, Members of Parliament splashed over Ksh.3.3 billion for local travel while Ksh.1.014 billion was spent to travel overseas.
In contrast, senators used Ksh.902 million and Ksh.438 million on domestic and foreign travel, respectively.
The report shows the State’s inability to cut on the recurrent expenditure that the head of state announced following the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024.
As part of his austerity pledge, the president suspended non-essential travel by public officers. However, President Ruto’s tray of disregarded promises continues to weigh heavily on Kenyans who are now scrutinising his every move with a magnifying glass.
