William Ruto, Gachagua And Mudavadi Face Budget Cuts In New Treasury Proposals

• According to documents presented in the National Assembly, the Treasury slashed Ruto, Mudavadi and Gachagua's budgets and allocated the funds to other departments
• Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Chris Kiptoo noted the funds would be allocated to the judiciary and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs)
• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had requested KSh 2.6 billion to renovate his offices and purchase new cars

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

The National Treasury has suggested cutting the budgets of the three top state offices for the fiscal year 2024–2025.

These are Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi's office, President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua's offices, and the State House.

Why the top three offices face budget cuts

The Treasury blamed inadequate revenue collection for the budget's reduction of KSh 273.3 billion, from KSh 4.188 trillion to KSh 3.9 trillion.

According to documents presented in the National Assembly, as reported by Daily Nation, the Treasury slashed the trio's budgets and allocated the funds to other departments in tight austerity measures.

Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Chris Kiptoo delivered the documents to the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro chairs.

"Mr chairman, during the finalisation of the financial year 2024/2025 budget estimates, ministries, agencies and departments' budgets were reduced in line with the revised fiscal framework," Kiptoo said.

State House was allocated a budget of KSh 9.49 billion, Ruto's office KSh 5.42 billion, Gachagua's office KSh 4.87 billion, and Mudavadi's office will get KSh 1.14 billion.

However, Kiptoo did not explain how the budgets will be reviewed.

People Daily reported that the PS revealed Kiptoo added that funds slashed from the three offices will be allocated to the judiciary, education, diplomatic missions and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs).

How much will Gachagua spend on luxuries?

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua explained why his office needs to spend KSh 2.6 billion on luxuries in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The DP revealed that his offices and residences have been deplorable for over 15 years and need to be renovated.

Gachagua's spokesperson, Njeri Rugene, said KSh 300 million will be used to renovate the Harambee House Annex, Karen, and Mombasa residences.

The DP will also purchase new KSh 100 million vehicles, as he claimed that he has been using old cars, which are expensive to maintain.

Other expenditures include KSh 247.7 million for food and drinks, receptions and gifts.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.