The Executive Office of the President spent an average of Ksh.2 million per day on printing services in the last financial year, according to a damning report by the Office of the Controller of Budget.
The National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for the financial year 2024–2025 has exposed massive government wastage despite repeated pledges by President William Ruto to cut unnecessary expenditure.
Breakdown of Ruto’s Office Expenditure
Out of a Ksh.4.6 billion budget, Harambee House allocated:
- Ksh.817 million on printing services – translating to Ksh.68 million monthly or Ksh.2.2 million daily.
- Ksh.1.9 billion on general administration, planning, and support services.
- Ksh.765 million on leadership and coordination services.
- Ksh.1 billion on government advisory services, with payments including:
- Ksh.62 million for Kenya–South Sudan advisory.
- Ksh.46 million on Power of Mercy advisory.
- Ksh.450 million on counter-terrorism advisory.
- Ksh.150 million on strategic policy advisory.
- Ksh.97 million on economic and social affairs.
- Ksh.251 million on oversight of public entities.
The printing costs were attributed to producing government policy documents, executive orders, directives, proclamations, performance contracts, press statements, and invitations to high-profile State House events.
For more breakdowns of state expenditure, read our in-depth coverage of Kenya’s budget leaks.
State House Refurbishment Costs Rise
The report also revealed that State House Nairobi has so far consumed Ksh.1.17 billion in refurbishment projects since construction works began.
- Ksh.399 million was spent in the last financial year alone.
- The works are currently at 66% completion.
- Full completion is expected by 2027, with costs projected to exceed the original construction budget of the House on the Hill.
A recent tour by President Ruto for former President Uhuru Kenyatta gave Kenyans a glimpse of the extensive renovations underway.
Gen Z Protests Context
These revelations come just months after the Gen Z-led protests forced the government to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024, which had been designed to increase tax revenue.
The report suggests that, despite calls for austerity, the Ruto administration has continued with lavish spending on advisory services, luxury projects, and printing expenses.
International watchdogs like Transparency International have previously flagged Kenya for high levels of public sector wastage.
.
For related stories, check out:
