A new audit report has revealed that the Presidency spent nearly Ksh.300 million on fuel within the first six months of the 2025/26 financial year, raising fresh debate over government spending months after President William Ruto pledged to introduce austerity measures. According to figures released by the Office of the Controller of Budget, State House together with the offices of the President and Deputy President spent a combined Ksh.298.58 million on fuel between July and December 2025.
State House Tops Fuel Spending
The report shows that State House accounted for the largest portion of the expenditure, using Ksh.202.96 million on fuel during the period. This placed it among the top government fuel spenders, second only to the National Police Service, which recorded Ksh.377.65 million in fuel costs. If the spending trend continues at the same pace, State House could surpass previous fuel expenditure records by the end of the current financial year.
Government officials often travel with large convoys and support teams during official events such as project launches, development tours, meetings, and public functions. These trips typically involve multiple vehicles and logistical arrangements including security teams and staff movement.
Fuel Spending Since Ruto Took Office
Since President Ruto assumed office in September 2022, State House has reportedly spent Ksh.1.092 billion on fuel, a figure that has drawn scrutiny from observers questioning the government’s commitment to cutting costs. The spending has steadily increased over the past two financial years. For instance, State House recorded Ksh.481.39 million in fuel expenditure during the 2024/25 financial year, up from Ksh.407.92 million in the 2023/24 financial year.
Deputy President’s Office Among Top Spenders
The Office of the Deputy President, currently held by Prof. Kithure Kindiki, spent Ksh.68.77 million on fuel during the same six-month period. Kindiki has been travelling extensively across the country for government engagements, empowerment programmes, and political activities. He has also been actively involved in campaigns for candidates from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in various by-elections and mini-polls.
In recent months, the Deputy President has adopted a more outspoken political tone, frequently using slogans such as “Fire si Fire” and “Wewe Goliathi” during political engagements.
The Office of the President also recorded Ksh.26.85 million in fuel spending during the same period, contributing to the overall fuel bill incurred by the Presidency. Overall, the vehicles used by the Presidency reportedly consumed about 1.7 million litres of fuel, covering an estimated 14 million kilometres over the six months.
Rising Government Expenditure
The audit report also highlights the broader scale of government spending. For the 2025/26 financial year, the gross allocation for ministerial recurrent expenditure stands at Ksh.1.80 trillion, slightly higher than the Ksh.1.77 trillion allocated in the previous financial year. Within the first six months alone, total expenditure reached Ksh.899.74 billion, representing half of the annual recurrent estimates. This is significantly higher than the Ksh.433.89 billion recorded during the same period in the previous financial year.
State House Budget Set to Increase
The revelations come as State House spending continues to rise. By the end of the current financial year, the presidency is expected to spend Ksh.17 billion, nearly double the Ksh.8.5 billion initially allocated. Additionally, State House has requested Ksh.20 billion for the next financial year starting July 2026, citing the addition of four new State lodges as a key reason for the anticipated increase in expenditure.
Questions Over Spending Priorities
The figures have sparked renewed discussion about government spending priorities, particularly at a time when many Kenyans are dealing with the rising cost of living, higher taxes, and economic challenges. Analysts also note that expenditure could increase further as the country approaches the 2027 General Election, when political activity and nationwide travel by leaders typically intensify.
