How much has the government spent on travel so far?
The Kenyan government spent a staggering Ksh.1.074 billion on domestic travel within the first nine months of the 2024/25 Financial Year, according to a report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o. The National Government Budget Implementation Review Report shows that domestic travel across government offices cost taxpayers Ksh.11.6 billion, while foreign travel added another Ksh.5.1 billion to the total bill.
Out of the Ksh.1.2 trillion total expenditure during the period, the Office of the President spent Ksh.145.36 million on domestic travel and Ksh.30 million on international trips. The Office of the Deputy President went even higher, using Ksh.196.22 million for local trips and Ksh.22 million abroad.
What are Parliament and the Senate spending on travel?
The report revealed that Members of Parliament were responsible for over Ksh.3.3 billion in domestic travel and Ksh.1.014 billion in international travel. Senators followed with Ksh.902 million spent on domestic trips and Ksh.438 million on foreign missions.
These figures sharply contrast with the president’s public commitment to curb unnecessary expenditure, especially following the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024, which demanded greater fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Is the government keeping its austerity promises?
The report reflects a growing disconnect between public pledges and actual spending behavior. In response to public pressure, President William Ruto had announced an austerity plan that included suspending non-essential travel for public officers. Yet, the report paints a different picture one of rising travel expenses and minimal restraint.
By Risper Akinyi