Budget Controller Blocked Sh6.6 Billion in Emergency Spending, Cuts Funding for Raila’s AU Campaign

The Controller of Budget has rejected Sh6.6 billion in emergency spending requests from various government agencies, including significant cuts to funding for Raila Odinga’s failed African Union Commission chairmanship campaign and President William Ruto’s local travels.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o revealed that 16 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) requested additional funding of Sh48.8 billion, but she only approved Sh42.22 billion, according to the third quarterly National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for the financial year 2024/25.

The most significant rejections included funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which requested Sh523.8 million to facilitate campaigns for Raila Odinga’s AU bid, but only received approval for Sh216.3 million.

The dramatic cut came despite Kenya mounting an extensive campaign that saw President Ruto and over 100 MPs attend the AUC meeting in Addis Ababa in January 2025. Raila ultimately lost the race to Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

State House also faced budget constraints, with its request for Sh1.5 billion to cater for utilities, rent, local presidential visits, hospitality services, fuel expenses and maintenance of motor vehicles being reduced to Sh1.15 billion.

The Controller of Budget’s actions represent a significant pushback against what her office views as irregular use of emergency spending provisions.

The COB declined to approve Sh6.6 billion for spending under the emergency clause between July 2024 and March 2025, citing concerns over the misuse of Article 223 of the Constitution.

High spending by State House under the emergency clause occurred as President William Ruto hosted over 130 delegations and other events at the State House, while making more than 160 local tours across different counties between July 2024 and March 2025.

Other agencies affected by the budget cuts include the National Police Service, which received only Sh1 billion of its requested Sh2.3 billion for the Multi-Agency Security support mission in Haiti.

The State Department for Broadcasting & Telecommunication’s request for Sh627.6 million to settle pending bills was reduced to Sh354.3 million.

However, some requests were approved in full, including the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards’ Sh1.75 billion for medical doctors’ salary arrears, and Sh19.6 billion for Kenya Airways debt service payments.

Nyakang’o raised concerns over the irregular reliance on Article 223 of the Constitution to fund existing government programmes and settle predictable obligations, indicating weaknesses in the budget implementation process.

The Controller of Budget has called for improved fiscal planning and enhanced revenue collection, urging government agencies to reduce reliance on emergency funding by ensuring better upfront budgeting for known expenditures.

The budget cuts highlight ongoing tensions between fiscal responsibility and political priorities, as the government grapples with mounting debt obligations while attempting to fund high-profile initiatives like international diplomatic campaigns and extensive presidential travel.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​