MPs have cut the Deputy President’s operations budget by approximately Sh500 million, potentially hindering his planned activities.
Estimates from the National Treasury indicated that the funds were earmarked for operations, maintenance, and other expenses. It remains unclear if this budget cut is linked to the growing rift between President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
After a review by the Ndindi Nyoro-led Budget and Appropriations Committee, the funds have been reallocated to programs with specific deliverables.
This budget reduction follows a recent announcement by the National Treasury that budgets for top offices would be cut.
Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, when addressing the committee, stated that the exchequer aimed to review and rationalize votes for the President’s office. “The savings will be used to address the ongoing reforms in the coffee sector, fight against illicit brew and abuse of drugs,” he said.
“These proposed amendments will be considered against the available resources and will be formally submitted to the National Assembly for consideration,” he explained. Funds under ‘other operating expenses’ are typically used for unspecified activities by top offices.
The Treasury had allocated Sh2.5 billion for the DP’s support services, an increase of Sh500 million from the previous year. The changes saw the budget for other operating expenses rise from Sh800 million to Sh1 billion, vehicle maintenance increase by Sh30 million, fuel allocation rise by Sh70 million, and hospitality budget increase by Sh250 million, expected to reach Sh480 million next year.
Nyoro attributed the reduction to “a mismatch between the money we intend to raise in revenue against our expenditure.” He added, “We had to respond to other pressing issues.”