Kenyan government officials spent Ksh 25.46 billion on both local and foreign travel in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The figure is from a new report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o. This comes despite President William Ruto’s promise to cut travel expenses by half to reduce wastage.
The report shows ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) continued to spend heavily on travel. In the first nine months, Ksh 11.6 billion went to domestic trips, while Ksh 5.1 billion was spent on international travel. The total for that period stood at Ksh 16.7 billion.
State House topped the list of spenders. It used Ksh 1.074 billion on domestic travel alone within the same nine months.
Nyakang’o raised concerns over the rising travel bills. She said the money could have funded essential services like education and health.
The spending comes at a time when Kenyans face high living costs and increased taxes. Many citizens accuse the government of neglecting development projects while overspending on luxuries.
Economists have also warned that unchecked travel costs weaken efforts to reduce the budget deficit. They say the government’s austerity measures remain largely unfulfilled.
The report is expected to pile pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration. Leaders and civil society groups are likely to demand tighter controls on public funds.
Nyakang’o urged the government to cut unnecessary trips and redirect resources to programs that directly benefit Kenyans.
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