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Kenya NewsKenya State House Exceeds Budget by Sh1 Billion: Taxpayers Foot the Bill
Kenya State House Exceeds Budget by Sh1 Billion: Taxpayers Foot the Bill
State House's Excessive Spending Raises Concerns Over Austerity Measures
In a shocking revelation, State House in Kenya has surpassed its budgetary allocation for the 2023/2024 financial year by a staggering Sh977 million, with two months still remaining until the end of the fiscal year. The latest reports from the National Treasury on government spending indicate that the president's residence has recorded Sh9.5 billion in recurrent expenditure, exceeding the initial budget of Sh8.5 billion. This excessive spending has sparked concerns over the government's commitment to austerity measures and the impact on taxpayers.
Section 1: State House Expenditure Breakdown
The figures reveal that State House has spent an average of Sh1.2 billion per month from January, resulting in a significant increase compared to the previous year's expenditure. Initially allocated a budget of Sh6.3 billion for the 2023/2024 financial year, it was later revised to Sh8.5 billion in the first supplementary budget. Additionally, Sh1.2 billion has been spent on development expenditure, surpassing the allocated amount of Sh1.3 billion.
Section 2: State House's Acquisition of Non-Financial Assets
State House has also emerged as the highest spender among government departments when it comes to acquiring non-financial assets. This includes the refurbishment of buildings, the purchase of vehicles, furniture, and general equipment. Out of the total expenditure reported by all ministries, departments, and agencies, State House recorded the highest at Sh566.68 million, followed by the National Police Service at Sh477.17 million.
“The State Department for State House recorded the highest absorption of development budget at 58.4 per cent, while the State Department for Foreign Affairs recorded the lowest at 2.0 per cent,” said the Office of the Controller of Budget in its latest report. “This is attributed to enhanced operation and maintenance expenses, refurbishment of buildings, and other civil works.”
Section 3: President's Excessive Travel Expenses
Adding to the concerns about State House's budget overrun, President William Ruto's recent state visit to the United States is expected to cost taxpayers over Sh200 million. The use of a privately-chartered jet for the president and his entourage contributes significantly to this high expense. The Controller of Budget reports that the executive offices of the President, Deputy President, and Prime Cabinet Secretary collectively spent Sh820 million on travel in the six months ending December 2023, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year.
The excessive spending by State House, coupled with the president's high travel expenses, raises doubts about the government's commitment to austerity measures and responsible financial management. As taxpayers foot the bill, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability in government spending. The president's call for tighter fiscal discipline and resource allocation should be reflected in concrete actions to ensure that limited resources are directed towards productive investments rather than excessive recurrent expenditure.
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