Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s office is seeking a budget allocation of Sh2.6 billion for the upcoming 2024-25 financial year. According to documents presented to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, a significant portion of this allocation will be allocated towards refurbishing his offices and official residence.
The documents outline that out of the total budget, Sh1.12 billion is earmarked specifically for refurbishment purposes. This includes Sh460 million for the renovation of the Harambee Annex office and Sh660 million for the official Karen residence.
Additionally, the remaining Sh1.48 billion is allocated for various other purposes. This includes Sh200 million for acquiring motor vehicles, Sh250 million for implementing an alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse program, Sh250 million for purchasing medals, honors, and insignia, and Sh800 million for confidential expenditures.
During the submission, Patrick Mwangi, an official from the Deputy President’s office, emphasized the necessity of refurbishing the offices, citing their age as a key factor.
“The continuous lack of maintenance has necessitated a facelift targeting major functional areas and security systems of the building,” he said.
Committee chair, Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, wondered why Sh250 million was needed for the purchase of medals, honours and insignia.
“Are we not becoming extravagant when we know very well the situation of this country?” he posed.
In addition to the refurbishment expenses, there are several other expenditures outlined for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s office in the upcoming financial year:
– Sh247.7 million for catering services, accommodation, gifts, food, and drinks
– Sh301.5 million for boards, committees, conferences, and seminars
– Sh2 million for the purchase of staff uniforms and clothing trainees
– Sh17 million for International News Services
– Sh205,000 for entertainment allowance
– Sh33.6 million for transport allowance
– Sh205.5 million for house allowance
– Sh22 million for overtime for civil service
– Sh5 million for domestic servant allowance
– Sh328.5 million for personal allowance
– Sh520,000 for gas
– Sh31.4 million for telephone, facsimile, and mobile phones
– Sh10 million for internet connections
Additionally, there are various travel-related expenses, including:
– Travel costs for airline, bus, railway, and mileage allowances (Sh171.8 million)
– Accommodation for domestic travel (Sh91.7 million)
– Sundry items such as airport tax, taxis (Sh5.7 million)
– Domestic travel and subsistence and other transportation costs (Sh343.6 million)
– Travel cost by airlines, bus, railway (Sh163.8 million)
– Accommodation (Sh93.8 million)
– State visits abroad (Sh15 million)
– Foreign travel and subsistence and other transportation costs (Sh287.6 million)
