Government Denies Political Motive in Budget Cuts for Uhuru, Raila, and Other VIPs
The government has rejected allegations that the proposed cuts to retirement benefits for former President Uhuru Kenyatta and other senior political figures are politically motivated.
“Let me be clear, these budgetary adjustments are not politically motivated,” “They are part of a broader plan to ensure fiscal discipline and prudent use of public resources.” Isaac Mwaura Govt Spokesman said.
Under the new budget estimates released by the National Treasury in April, the Office of the 4th President will receive KSh276.8 million for the 2025/26 financial year — a reduction of KSh94.6 million from the current KSh371.5 million.
The cuts will primarily affect allocations for travel. Uhuru’s foreign travel budget will be reduced from KSh95 million to KSh43.5 million, while domestic travel will drop significantly from KSh29 million to KSh8.1 million. Insurance costs have also been slashed by 50%, and the allocation for supplies and services reduced from KSh22 million to KSh16.1 million.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who served as Prime Minister, will also see his budget drop from KSh87.2 million to KSh63.3 million. His domestic travel budget is being cut from KSh2.4 million to KSh1.8 million, while insurance costs are set to halve from KSh40 million to KSh20 million.
