- State House spent KSh 4.32 billion in the first quarter, double its allocation of KSh 1.92 billion.
- The Deputy President’s office also exceeded its budget, spending KSh 1.11 billion against KSh 743 million.
- National government recurrent spending rose 31% compared to last year.
State House has spent far beyond its allocated budget in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. According to National Treasury data, KSh 4.32 billion was disbursed between July and September, more than double the approved KSh 1.92 billion.
This overshoot of roughly 125% is the highest among all national government departments, highlighting gaps in spending control in politically sensitive offices.
The Office of the Deputy President also exceeded its quarterly recurrent budget. It spent KSh 1.11 billion compared to a target of KSh 743 million.
Recurrent spending across all national offices surged to KSh 366.5 billion, up from KSh 280.1 billion during the same period last year – a 31% increase.
Sources say most of the extra spending at the State House went to operations and maintenance. This includes staff salaries, presidential logistics, protocol expenses, and routine maintenance of state facilities.
While Article 223 of the Constitution allows overspending by up to 10% without parliamentary approval, the current level far exceeds this limit. When limits are breached, Treasury must present a mini-budget to Parliament within two months.
Critics say such high spending undermines the government’s austerity message and could worry investors and watchdogs. The Business Daily noted that “spending controls in politically sensitive offices are still being tested.”
The overshoot also comes at a time when the government is trying to reduce the projected KSh 901 billion deficit for the year.
The Treasury has pledged to improve public financial management. The 2025 Budget Review and Outlook Paper highlights plans for e-procurement, integrated human resource systems, pension reforms, and partnerships with the private sector.
These reforms aim to strengthen controls and prevent uncontrolled spending in the future.
