Unveiling Ruto’s Travel Tab: Billions Spent Locally & Abroad Since Taking Over
Since assuming the presidency, President William Ruto has undertaken multiple journeys in the last 19 months, sparking discussions among Kenyans amidst the nation’s economic challenges.
From his inaugural journey to the United Kingdom to pay respects at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, to numerous visits to the United States of America (USA), Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan, the itinerary has been extensive.
In just this year, the president has traveled across borders on six occasions. This included a visit to Italy for the Italy-Africa Summit on January 28, 2024, and another journey to Ethiopia for the African Union Summit.
Based on a recent investigation conducted by Gossipa2z.com, the leader of the country has undertaken 40 journeys.
The most hectic period for the president occurred in May 2023, when he journeyed to four nations: the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Israel, and South Africa.
Gossipa2z.com will examine trips by considering three elements: destinations visited, financial considerations, and trip outcomes.
By The Numbers
The president’s travel expenses include the regular costs accrued by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), encompassing items such as wages, transportation, lodging, and upkeep detailed in the reports.
Based on the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for the Financial Year 2022/23, the Office of the President allocated more than Ksh1.4 billion for travel expenses.
The report encompassed the timeframe spanning from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
Out of the entire sum, Ksh1 billion was designated for domestic travel, while Ksh361 million was set aside for foreign travel.
On the other hand, the amount depicted a rise of more than 30 percent compared to the Ksh957 million earmarked in the 2021/22 Fiscal Year.
Additionally, a random inspection of the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for the initial half of the Financial Year 2023/24 revealed a significant decrease in the allocation, with domestic travel expenses reduced to Ksh21.24 million and foreign travel expenses to Ksh12.21 million.
The report covered the period from July 1 2023 to December 31, 2023.
It’s significant to highlight that within that timeframe, the Office of the Deputy President received Ksh184.81 million for local travel and Ksh111.38 million for international travel. This prompts concerns regarding the spending of the current administration, especially given the ongoing economic challenges the country is facing.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s expenditure for travel
Comparison
On the flip side, the previous government under President Uhuru Kenyatta spent a total of Ksh6.7 billion on domestic and international trips throughout his two consecutive terms in office.
From this sum, Ksh1.66 billion was designated for international travel, while Ksh5.79 billion was directed for domestic travel.
Promises Made
Critics have subsequently expressed doubts regarding the importance of the journeys undertaken by the leader of the country.
In a response in December 2023, Ruto asserted that he could justify every penny spent on international trips since assuming office. He emphasized his goal of preventing Kenya from sliding into debt distress and actively pursuing job prospects for Kenyans overseas.
1 Million Foreign Jobs
President Ruto confirmed that numerous foreign nations have committed to providing one million employment opportunities for Kenyans overseas. These countries encompass Germany, Barbados, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
In February 2024, the initial group of 500 laborers from Kenya were sent to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Germany, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for employment.
Business Investment
The leader of the nation has also encouraged foreign investors to put their money into the country’s manufacturing, agriculture, and technology industries to achieve the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He has encouraged investors to consider the green energy industry as well, pointing out Kenya’s significant energy potential in solar, wind, and geothermal resources.
Tax Reforms; Conducive Environment
Ruto pledged to establish a mutually beneficial scenario for investors, highlighting plans to reassess tax reforms for a more favorable business climate. He emphasized that a consistent tax system appeals to private sector entities seeking stability for their investments.
Unveiling Ruto’s Travel Tab: Billions Spent Locally & Abroad Since Taking Over