How Ruto, Uhuru Spent Ksh500 Million Before August Elections
The millions were spent on trips within the country and increased amidst vicious campaigns for the State House job
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta spent up to Ksh579 million in the run up to the month of June amidst campaigns for the August 9 general elections.
The millions were spent on trips within the country and increased amidst vicious campaigns for the State House job, with Uhuru backing Azimio la Umoja coalition leader, Raila Odinga.
According to the Controller of Budget report, the increased travel saw Ruto and Uhuru's offices increase their spending on trips by 191.3 percent from Ksh198.79 million they spent in the three months to June 2021.
President William Ruto's motorcade leaving Kasarani Stadium after the inauguration ceremony on September 13, 2022. /FILE
The Ksh579 million is equivalent to 66.2 percent of the Ksh873.90 million the Presidency spent on trips in the year to June, reflecting the increased travel by the duo ahead of the elections.
The budget office data shows that the national government spend Ksh20.17 billion on local and foreign travel in the year to June, reflecting a 41.9 percent jump from Ksh14.21 billion spent a year earlier.
Government employees are entitled to per diems and other allowances whenever they travel locally on official assignments that include training and seminars.
The data shows that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tasked with spearheading Kenya’s diplomatic ties, had increased its expenditure on travel to Ksh2.44 billion, a 73.2 percent jump from Ksh1.402 billion.
Other big spenders were the Public Service Commission (PSC) at Ksh2.29 billion, a 42.5 percent jump from Ksh1.6 billion, and the Office of the President at Ksh957.4 million, a 37.7 percent jump from Ksh695 million spent a year earlier.
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango attributed the surge in spending on travel to the lifting of restrictions on social gatherings and local flights, setting the stage for high spending.
Uhuru will bag at least Ksh39.6 million tax-free in lump sum payments after his second and final term in office came to an end on Tuesday, September 13.
He will also pocket Ksh1.32 million in monthly pension plus a host of benefits that include an entertainment allowance, house allowance, office space, vehicles, fuel allowance and a full medical, all provided by the state free of tax.
The retired president and his spouse, former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, are also entitled to diplomatic passports and local and international travel allowance of up to four trips a year not exceeding two weeks each and access to the VIP lounge at all airports within Kenya.
The pension and benefits of the President when he retires will be drawn from the Ksh42.43 million already allocated in the current financial year’s budget. The allocation is guided by the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act of 2003.
President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani Stadium on September 13, 2022. /WILLIAM RUTO
