Alarm as State House Spends Ksh.1.074 Billion on Domestic Travel in 9 Months
The Kenyan government spent a staggering Ksh.1.074 billion on domestic travel during the first nine months of the 2024/25 financial year, despite President William Ruto’s promise to reduce government spending. The figures are detailed in the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report, published by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o.
The report covers spending from July 2024 to March 2025. It shows that the government had already used Ksh.1.2 trillion by the end of March—about 70% of its revised budget. What stands out is how much went into travel: Ksh.11.6 billion on local trips and Ksh.5.1 billion on foreign travel.
President Ruto’s own office spent Ksh.145.36 million on domestic travel and Ksh.30 million on international trips. His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, spent even more—Ksh.196.22 million locally and Ksh.22 million abroad.
Parliamentarians also contributed to the high travel expenses. Members of Parliament (MPs) spent over Ksh.3.3 billion on local travel and Ksh.1.014 billion on overseas trips. Senators used Ksh.902 million for domestic travel and Ksh.438 million for international engagements.
These numbers raise concern, especially since the president had suspended non-essential travel by public officers as part of his austerity measures. The move came shortly after Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024, which called for accountability and better use of public funds.
However, this new report reveals that little has changed. Despite strong statements and promises, government officials continue to spend heavily on travel. Many Kenyans now feel that the austerity measures were just empty words, and frustration is growing as citizens watch leaders enjoy costly trips while the public struggles with a high cost of living.
Alarm as State House Spends Ksh.1.074 Billion on Domestic Travel in 9 Months
