The new report from the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, paints a troubling picture of how President William Ruto’s office has been spending public money.
Despite repeated pledges of austerity and promises to reduce unnecessary expenses, the Executive Office of the President appears to be one of the biggest centers of wastage.
The report shows that instead of leading by example, Ruto’s office has been burning through billions of shillings in ways that raise serious questions about priorities at a time when Kenyans are struggling with high taxes and the rising cost of living.
One of the most shocking revelations is the Ksh817 million spent on printing services in just one year.
This translates to about Ksh68 million every month and roughly Ksh2.2 million per day.
The amount is part of the Ksh4 billion budget allocated to the President’s office. The printing covers government policies, executive orders, directives, proclamations, performance contracts, press statements and other communication.
However, the figures suggest that the spending is far beyond reasonable limits. Even the excuse that costs may have risen due to invitation cards for frequent State House guests does not justify such extravagance, especially when Kenyans are told to tighten their belts under new taxes.
President William Ruto, shows Uhuru Kenyatta renovations at state house. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook
The Controller of Budget’s report goes further to show that Ruto’s office spent Ksh1.9 billion on general administration, planning and support services, and Ksh750 million on leadership and coordination.
The figures are not only high but also indicate a pattern of reckless expenditure. The issue of advisers stands out even more, with Ksh1 billion going into their pockets.
Within this, Ksh62 million was used for Kenya and South Sudan advisory services, Ksh46 million for Power of Mercy advisory, and Ksh97 million for Economic and Social Affairs advisory.
More millions went into strategic policy advisory and public entities oversight. These numbers expose how bloated and costly the President’s advisory team has become, draining resources that could have been used for development.
Another concerning part of the report is the Ksh399 million spent on refurbishing the President’s office. Overall, more than Ksh1.2 billion has already gone into construction works within State House, with projects expected to continue until 2027.
At a time when the government claims there is no money for essential services like health and education, such heavy spending on office luxuries shows misplaced priorities.
Ruto came into office with promises of cutting wastage and leading by example, but the figures in Nyakang’o’s report expose the opposite.
Billions are being consumed at the top while ordinary Kenyans face more taxes and shrinking incomes. This report lays bare the hypocrisy and arrogance of a presidency that demands sacrifices from citizens while indulging itself in unchecked spending.
