A new report by the Controller of Budget and the National Treasury shows that spending under President William Ruto has reached 94 percent of what was used during the entire 10-year tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto Spending Nears Uhuru’s 10-Year Total
According to the report, Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration spent approximately KSh90 billion over a decade on the Executive, including State House and the Office of the President.
In contrast, spending under William Ruto has already reached KSh89 billion in just three years and seven months.
Breakdown of Uhuru’s Spending
During Uhuru’s tenure, key allocations included:
- State House Affairs: KSh26.64 billion
- Cabinet Affairs: KSh11.6 billion
- Deputy President services: KSh10.64 billion
- Government Advisory Services: KSh4.84 billion
Recurrent and development expenditures accounted for KSh36.27 billion.
Breakdown of Ruto’s Spending
Under Ruto’s administration, expenditure has been distributed as follows:
- State House: KSh36.3 billion
- Office of the President: KSh35.1 billion
- Office of the Deputy President: KSh12.5 billion
Additional spending includes:
- Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary: KSh3.3 billion
- State Department for Parliamentary Affairs: KSh900 million
- State Department for Cabinet Affairs: KSh700 million
Rising Public Interest
The findings are likely to intensify debate over government spending, efficiency, and fiscal management, especially amid ongoing concerns about the cost of living.
Budget Pressure and Accountability
Analysts say the rapid pace of expenditure raises questions about sustainability and prioritisation of public resources, with calls for increased transparency and accountability expected to grow.
The report adds to a broader national conversation on public finance management as Kenya navigates economic pressures and competing budgetary demands.
