A new audit has revealed that the government is spending over KSh200 million daily to host near-daily regional delegations at State House, most of which are aimed at drumming up support for President William Ruto’s second-term bid.
According to the Auditor General’s report, at least KSh5.03 billion disbursed to the Office of the President was flagged for being spent on non-urgent, unnecessary or past events, raising questions about accountability.
Breakdown of State House Meeting Costs
- Delegates’ allowances: Each sitting draws up to 5,000 invited guests, each receiving KSh10,000, totaling KSh50 million per meeting.
- Catering: Meals and refreshments cost at least KSh12.5 million per sitting, excluding drinks.
- Transport facilitation: Organizers are given KSh10–50 million, depending on the region delegates come from.
- Political leaders’ perks: Governors, MPs, Women Representatives, Senators, and MCAs reportedly pocket KSh100,000–500,000, depending on their political clout.
In some cases, two delegations are hosted in a single day, pushing daily costs to nearly half a billion shillings.
Monthly Spending Exceeds KSh4.5 Billion
The Auditor General warned that these expenditures are not budgeted for, yet the State continues to commit large sums to political mobilization under the guise of official meetings.
