Large entourages that accompany President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, in foreign trips are set to reap big after the government increased its budget by over 26 per cent.
According to the Controller of Budget report, the Presidency, which comprises of President Kenyatta and DP Ruto’s offices, has raised expenditure on foreign travels in the first quarter.
The report revealed that the Presidency’s expenditure had risen to Sh60.3 million from Sh47.6 million in comparison to a similar period the previous year.
This will translate to pump in the pocket for senior members of the presidential delegation who reportedly pocket allowances of up to Sh41,200 per day.
Sources privy to state travels disclosed that the government caters for their food and accommodation for the entire trip.
This is in light of the cries by the public that the entourages made up of senior officials and security details draw hefty allowances in unnecessary state trips.
This was however countered by the government that majority of the travels have served to attract mega investments, boosted Kenya’s global visibility and unlocked capital inflows.
The Presidency has, however, cut its local trips expenditure from Sh106.5 million compared to a similar period last year, to Sh78 million.
