A new report by the Controller of Budget has revealed that officials from the Nairobi County Government spent a staggering KSh78,163,450 on five foreign trips within a span of just 30 days in 2025.
According to the report, the expenditure was incurred between September 8 and October 8, with the trips aimed at attending various international summits.
Breakdown of the Trips
The first trip took place between September 8 and 11, when two officials travelled to China for the 25th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), costing taxpayers KSh4.3 million.
A few days later, between September 15 and 20, another two officials travelled to Russia to attend the Brics Urban Future Forum, spending KSh4.1 million.
On September 20, a larger delegation of nine officials departed for New York to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with the trip costing KSh18 million.
Costliest Delegation to Switzerland
The most expensive trip came shortly after, when 19 officials travelled in three separate batches between September 28 and October 2 to Geneva, Switzerland.
The delegation attended a sustainable finance summit and a Mayor’s meeting, with the total cost for the Geneva trips reaching KSh51.58 million—accounting for the largest share of the overall expenditure.
Concerns Over Public Spending
The revelations are likely to spark debate over public spending and the necessity of large delegations for international travel, especially at a time when counties continue to face budgetary constraints and competing development priorities.
The report adds to ongoing scrutiny over the use of public funds by county governments, with calls for increased accountability and more prudent expenditure.
