Kenya’s State House and Parliament travel costs rose sharply in recent reports, even as the government pushes austerity measures. A Controller of Budget review for the first three months of the 2025/26 financial year shows national government travel spending hit nearly Sh5 billion. That includes domestic and foreign trips.
State House figures stand out in some breakdowns. One report notes around Sh293 million on domestic travel in that period. Hospitality and other costs add up too. Parliament often leads in overall travel bills from past reviews. It takes a big share of the total.
President William Ruto announced cuts back in 2023 and again after protests. He aimed to slash travel by 50 percent across agencies.
The goal was to save money for development and ease debt pressure. But actual spending stayed high or grew in places.
The latest data covers July to September 2025. Travel came in at Sh4.97 billion. Domestic made up most of it, about Sh4.09 billion. Foreign trips took Sh877 million. That’s for the whole national government.
Economists point to weak follow-through. Rules exist, but enforcement lags. Some trips get called essential. Others slip through as emergencies.
Kenyans react strong online and in talks. Many say the money could fix schools or hospitals.
One example floating around: a few hundred million might cover fees for thousands of students. Or help with health services facing shortages.
The country talks with IMF on loans and reforms. Cutting waste is part of that. But reports like this raise doubts on progress.
Past years show similar patterns. Travel hit Sh25 billion or more in full years. Parliament and executive offices take large chunks. Foreign affairs leads abroad trips sometimes.
Officials defend needed travel. Diplomacy, oversight visits, conferences. They say not all can stop.
Still, public calls grow for tighter rules. Track every trip. Publish details. Tie to results.
As the year closes, budget watchers wait for full reports. Will spending drop? Or stay the course?
Austerity promises came after tough times. Protests, debt worries, high living costs. People want action matching words.
State House and Parliament set examples. When their costs rise, it hits hard. Kenya faces choices ahead. Balance needs with limits. Travel is one area under eye.
Reports keep coming. Controller of Budget tracks close. Findings guide debates.
