The office of the Controller of Budget has released a report revealing the government’s expenditure on salaries and remuneration in the financial year 2020/2021. The report, compiled by Margaret Nyakango, unveiled a list of top-spending government institutions.
The Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC) was the biggest spender whose figures stood at a massive Ksh207 billion. A significant chunk of these funds was used to pay salaries of over 500,000 teachers across Kenya.
This was followed by the State Department for Interior and Citizen Services which spent Ksh96 billion to pay for operational expenses and wages to staff. The Ministry of Defence closed off the top 3 segments after spending Ksh90 billion in the period under review.
The Department of Early Learning and Basic Education was ranked fourth, having spent Ksh61 billion between March 2020 and May 2021. The department spent its allocation of funds on servicing payroll requirements as well as operational expenses.
In the education sector, the State Department of University Education was ranked fifth. It spent Ksh43 billion on recurring operations including payment of salaries and regular supplies.
The State Department of Infrastructure was sixth after paying out Ksh42 billion. However, it stood out as it was the only government department that committed most of its allocated resources to development. This is attributed to the ongoing construction projects in the country.
Headed by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ukur Yatani, the National Treasury was ranked 7th on the list after spending Ksh30 billion on recurrent expenditure, including remuneration.
The Ministry of Health was eighth for remitting a bill of Ksh 29billion followed by the National Intelligence Services (NIS) whose accounts indicated disbursement of Ksh26 billion.
Finally, the State Department of Social Protection was ranked 10th for recurrent spending of Ksh15 billion in the period under review.
Nyakang’o explained to Nation that salaries, allowances and benefits to staff constitute the greatest of the government's expenditure. This applied to both national and county governments.
Only small chunks of budgets are directed towards development and provision of services.
According to the report, out of the Ksh1.8 trillion set aside by the national government, Ksh815 billion was devoted to recurrent expenditure.
The development kitty received only Ksh334 billion The balance, Ksh676 billion was accorded to the Consolidated Fund Services.
