Kenya: State House Spending Surpasses Full-Year Allocation
State House in Kenya has exceeded its annual budget allocation for recurrent expenditure just months into the financial year 2025/26.
In the early months of the 2025/26 financial year, State House in Kenya has recorded an unprecedented level of spending, exhausting its recurrent budget allocation significantly ahead of schedule. According to the National Treasury, as of the end of January 2026, State House expenditure had already reached Sh10.4 billion, which is Sh2.7 billion over the approved budget of Sh7.7 billion for the entire year. This alarming spending pattern raises questions about fiscal management and accountability within the President's office.
The recurrent expenditure covers essential operational costs such as domestic and foreign travel, hospitality, fuel, maintenance, and staff allowances that are vital for the functioning of the President's residence and its satellite offices. The rapid depletion of the allocated funds hints at a potential strain on government resources, as the financial year does not conclude until June 30. The implications of such spending on broader national fiscal policies and ongoing public service provisions are concerning, particularly when considering the economic challenges faced by the country.
This situation puts additional pressure on government financial oversight bodies to investigate the expenditures and demand accountability. With five months left in the fiscal year, there is an urgent need for transparency and restructuring in budget planning and execution, ensuring that government spending aligns with approved allocations and addressing the needs of the country effectively.