The Controller of Budget report shows that the Offices of the President and the Deputy President spent Sh1.02 Billion in the year ending in June.
This money was mainly spent on foreign and local trips and has for the first time exceeded the Sh1 Billion mark.
In a similar period last financial year, only Sh769.9 Million had been spent thus the current spending represents a 32.5% increase and is the fastest growth since the ruling Jubilee government came to power in 2013.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto"]
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It is important to note that the surge came just before the nullified August 8 presidential election and may be partly attributed to vigorous campaigns conducted by President Uhuru Kenyatta as he traversed the country seeking votes.
The huge spending also came at a time when the Treasury was planning to free cash for development and improvement of essential services such as health and education.
Earlier in the year, the Opposition had questioned Kenyatta's use of state resources during his re-election campaign by petitioning the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice David Maraga, however, ruled that they did not provide sufficient evidence to show that President Kenyatta broke the law by using State resources during his re-election drive.
State House was forced to defend Mr Kenyatta’s frequent trips abroad, arguing that the majority of the travels had the potential to 'attract mega investments that would help lift the country’s fortunes and generate more employment opportunities.'
Critics have argued that the government is spending a lot of money by sending large delegations abroad while the country is grappling with debt.
President Kenyatta is set to face tough days ahead after several groups filed petitions challenging his win in the recently concluded October 26 fresh election.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta"]
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