Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come under intense scrutiny following a significant increase in foreign travel expenditure by his office, raising questions about the government’s commitment to its austerity promises. According to the latest annual Budget Implementation Report released by the Office of the Controller of Budget (CoB), the Deputy President’s office witnessed a staggering 438% increase in its foreign travel costs from Ksh.103.4 million at the end of June 2023 to Ksh.556.7 million by the end of June 2024.
This dramatic rise in expenditure stands in stark contrast to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s pledge to reduce costs and implement austerity measures amid the country’s financial strain and the high cost of living. The rise in the Deputy President’s travel expenses is particularly notable given the broader context of increased government spending on foreign travel. The Office of the President and State House saw a 28% increase in foreign travel costs, while the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office experienced a 64% rise. Overall, the combined travel expenditure for these three top government offices soared to Ksh.2.45 billion, marking a 57% increase from the Ksh.1.56 billion recorded in the previous financial year.
The timing of these increases raises significant concerns. In 2023, the National Treasury had issued a directive slashing allowances for official travel by 50% and imposing restrictions on the categories of officers eligible to use planes for domestic routes. This was part of a broader effort to curb unnecessary expenditure and reflect the government’s commitment to financial prudence.
In August 2023, Deputy President Gachagua himself emphasized the need for cost-saving measures, criticizing Cabinet members for their excessive travel habits. He expressed frustration over the frequency of trips by Cabinet Secretaries, noting the difficulties in holding Cabinet meetings due to the frequent absences of ministers abroad. Gachagua questioned the necessity of honoring every invitation and suggested that such travel could be streamlined or limited to avoid unnecessary costs. He remarked, “If the President was to travel and honor every invite, he would be out of this country the whole year. You just have to decide what is useful and other things we leave to the ambassadors.”
The dramatic rise in travel costs for the Deputy President’s office has sparked a public outcry and intensified scrutiny of the government’s adherence to its own fiscal policies. Critics argue that the increase contradicts the government’s stated commitment to austerity and responsible fiscal management, especially at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with economic hardship.
The situation raises broader questions about the effectiveness of the government’s internal controls and its commitment to cost-saving measures. The substantial increase in travel expenditure highlights a potential disconnect between the government’s public rhetoric on austerity and the reality of its spending practices. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in government expenditure, particularly in areas where significant savings were promised.
As the government navigates these controversies, it will need to address public concerns by demonstrating a genuine commitment to fiscal discipline and by implementing effective measures to ensure that travel expenditures and other costs align with its stated objectives of reducing unnecessary spending. Failure to do so could further erode public trust and exacerbate the challenges faced by many Kenyans struggling with the current economic climate.
