In the 2023/24 financial year, the rise in travel expenditure by the national government has shocked many. CoB Margaret Nyakang’o’s office reported a dramatic increase in spending.
“Despite the calls for austerity, travel costs have soared,” said Nyakang’o. The Deputy President’s office saw spending jump from Ksh.103.4 million to Ksh.556.7 million. This is a 438 percent increase.
“We are not seeing the promised cutbacks,” Nyakang’o noted. The Kenya Kwanza government had promised to reduce costs. However, the reality is different.
The Office of the President and State House increased foreign travel by 28 percent. The Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office saw a 64 percent rise. In total, the three top offices spent Ksh.2.45 billion on travel.
“How do you justify this expenditure when people are struggling?” questioned an analyst. The previous financial year saw spending of Ksh.1.56 billion.
In 2023, the National Treasury cut allowances for official travel. A circular reduced travel allowances by half and restricted domestic plane travel to certain officials.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua voiced concerns in August 2023. “Why honor every invitation?” he asked. “It’s difficult to hold Cabinet meetings when ministers are frequently out of the country.”
Gachagua criticized the excessive traveling. “Some ministers change clothes at airports, moving from one country to another,” he said. “We need to regulate this.”
He emphasized the need for restraint. “If the President honored every invite, he’d be abroad all year,” Gachagua continued. “We must prioritize what’s essential and let ambassadors handle the rest.”
The spending raises questions about the government’s commitment to its own austerity measures.
