Kenya’s government spent KSh30.69 billion on travel during the 2025/26 financial year. The figures were highlighted in a report published on September 4, 2026.
The National Government Budget Implementation Review Report covers spending from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o raised concerns over the rising expenditure. The figures have also renewed questions about the government’s commitment to austerity.
Government Spent KSh639 Million Every Week
The KSh30.69 billion travel bill translates to approximately KSh639.4 million every week. Domestic travel accounted for the largest share. The government spent KSh21.98 billion on travel within Kenya. Meanwhile, foreign travel consumed KSh8.71 billion.
The spending increased by approximately KSh5.2 billion compared with 2024/25. The increase has raised concerns because the government previously promised to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
State House Was the Biggest Spender
State House recorded the highest travel expenditure among government offices. It spent approximately KSh2.5 billion during the financial year.
Domestic travel accounted for about KSh2.4 billion. Foreign travel, meanwhile, cost approximately KSh159 million.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration followed. It recorded travel expenditure of approximately KSh1.4 billion.
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services spent KSh1.1 billion. Additionally, the Office of the Deputy President spent approximately KSh655 million.
Ruto Had Promised to Cut Travel Spending
The latest figures have brought an earlier government pledge back into focus. President William Ruto previously promised to cut government travel expenditure by 50 percent. He made the pledge in October 2023 while defending his administration’s austerity measures.
However, the latest annual figures show travel expenditure increased instead. This contrast is likely to fuel further debate among Kenyans.
What This Means for Kenyan Taxpayers
The September 4 report comes as Kenya faces continued pressure over public finances. The same report showed that public debt rose from KSh11.8 trillion to KSh13 trillion within one year. Therefore, scrutiny of government expenditure is likely to intensify.
For many Kenyans, the issue is not whether officials should travel. Instead, the bigger question is whether every trip delivers value to taxpayers.
With KSh30.69 billion spent on travel in one financial year, pressure will continue growing. Kenyans will increasingly demand accountability, efficiency and stronger control of public funds.
