The government spent Ksh.1.074 billion on domestic travel in the first nine months of the 2024/25 Financial Year, raising fresh questions over President William Ruto’s commitment to austerity measures.
According to the latest National Government Budget Implementation Review Report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, total government expenditure during the period stood at Ksh.1.2 trillion, representing 70 per cent of the revised gross estimates.
Despite repeated pledges to rein in spending, the State splurged Ksh.11.6 billion on local travel and Ksh.5.1 billion on international trips.
The Office of the President spent Ksh.145.36 million on domestic travel and another Ksh.30 million on foreign trips. The Office of the Deputy President, held by Kithure Kindiki, incurred Ksh.196.22 million on local travel and Ksh.22 million abroad.
Parliament was among the biggest spenders. Members of the National Assembly spent more than Ksh.3.3 billion on domestic travel and Ksh.1.014 billion on overseas trips, while senators spent Ksh.902 million and Ksh.438 million on local and international travel respectively.
The report paints a stark contrast with the President’s austerity pledge following the Gen Z-led protests of June 25, 2024, where he announced the suspension of non-essential travel for public officers.
However, the figures now suggest that the austerity directive was largely ignored, adding to growing public frustration over government spending. Critics argue that President Ruto’s pledges are increasingly being viewed as empty promises, with Kenyans closely watching how public funds are handled amid tough economic times.
