State House expenditure for the 2025/26 financial year reached KSh 10.4 billion by the end of January 2026, surpassing its full-year recurrent allocation of KSh 7.7 billion.
This overshoot occurred within the first seven months of the fiscal cycle, meaning the President’s official residence has already exceeded its approved ceiling by 35% (KSh 2.7 billion) with five months remaining.Â
According to recent National Treasury disclosures, the overspending is primarily driven by recurrent expenditures, which cover the daily functioning of state institutions.Domestic and foreign travel, hospitality, fuel, maintenance, staff allowances, and administrative support.
Reports indicate the administration spends approximately KSh 200 million daily on hosting delegations at State House.
The Controller of Budget has previously flagged high spending on hospitality and travel, noting a 125% overshoot of the first-quarter budget target.Â
State House has already requested and received approval for an additional KSh 4 billion in emergency financing for the current fiscal year.
Experts and the Controller of Budget warn that such runaway expenditure by top executive offices weakens fiscal discipline and may force increased government borrowing, further impacting Kenya’s public debt.
For context, the 2025/26 total national budget is KSh 4.239 trillion, with the education sector receiving the largest share at KSh 702.7 billion.
By Anthony Solly
