The Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, has raised serious concerns over the government’s extravagant spending of Ksh.51 billion within six months, done without approval from her office or the National Assembly.
In her report on government expenditures for the first half of this financial year, Dr. Nyakang’o highlights how the government exploited a legal loophole to exceed the legally permissible additional funds.
The report reveals that the government invoked Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows ministries, departments, and agencies to access additional funding in case of insufficiency or emergent needs. However, the utilization of a staggering Ksh.51 billion over six months included expenditures that were not emergencies.
Among these expenses was the renovation of State House. Notably, on October 23rd, State House Nairobi accessed Ksh.700 million for the construction of a modern presidential dais.
Other significant allocations included Ksh.400 million for vehicle purchases at State House Nairobi in July and Ksh.16.3 million for official motor vehicles at the State Department for the East African Community in August.
Additionally, Ksh.1.82 billion was allocated for stabilizing petroleum pump prices, Ksh.2.4 billion for relief food and non-food items, Ksh.200 million for El Nino response by the Ministry of Defence, and Ksh.2.24 billion for maize drying and storage facilities.
The Treasury also approved Ksh.1.58 billion for KICC renovation ahead of the Africa Climate Summit last year.
However, despite the provisions under Article 223, which allow for such expenditures, the law mandates seeking Parliament’s consent within two months of withdrawal. Only Ksh.3.29 billion of the total funds spent had obtained the required approvals.
Moreover, the report sheds light on the government’s spending priorities during the same period. Out of the Ksh.1.4 trillion disbursed to various departments, a staggering Ksh.1.23 trillion went towards recurrent expenditures, with Ksh.291 billion allocated for personnel remuneration and emoluments, leaving a meager Ksh.70.41 billion for development by government agencies.
