The State House, along with the offices of President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki, has received an additional Ksh.4.8 billion in funding, according to official records.

This increase has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s austerity measures, which were meant to cut spending.

According to Supplementary Budget II for the 2024/25 financial year, which has already been presented to the National Assembly, the total budget allocation for the three branches of government—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary—has increased by Ksh.86.18 billion.

In particular, the budget for the State House has significantly grown. Initially, the estimate stood at Ksh.4.3 billion, but under the supplementary budget, it has now been revised to Ksh.8.1 billion.

This sharp rise has raised further concerns among Kenyans about government spending.

A large portion of this additional funding will cover various expenses, including cabinet affairs, salaries, national celebrations, and operational costs.

Furthermore, funds will also go towards maintenance expenses such as medical insurance.

Double funding

It is important to note that this budget is separate from the one allocated to the Executive Office of the President.

The latter mainly covers operational and maintenance costs at Harambee House, where the President’s office is located.

President Ruto’s office, specifically, has received an additional Ksh.651.7 million, bringing its total allocation to Ksh.3.6 billion.

Within this budget, Ksh.782 million has been set aside for government printing services, while Ksh.1.7 billion has been directed toward administration and planning.

Additionally, Ksh.500 million will be used for Counter-Terrorism Advisory services, and Ksh.62 million will be allocated to Kenya-South Sudan advisory services.

Breaking down Ruto’s office budget even further, Ksh.615 million will go towards leadership services, while another Ksh.149 million has been set aside for strategic and policy-related services.

The DP’s office

Similarly, Deputy President Kindiki’s office will also see a budget increase. His office will receive an additional Ksh.420 million, which will cover salaries, operational costs, general administration, and strategic policies, as well as other key government interventions.

This budget increase comes after President Ruto announced austerity measures in July last year, following widespread anti-government protests. The aim was to recover funds from the now-defunct Finance Bill 2024.

However, since that announcement, critics have increasingly questioned Ruto’s commitment to these cost-cutting measures.

Many argue that, despite promises to reduce spending, the government continues to borrow and spend more, which contradicts its own austerity claims.

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