The promise of austerity that President William Ruto made to Kenyans has been dealt a heavy blow by the latest report from Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o.
The report has revealed shocking details of how the Executive Office of the President has been spending taxpayers’ money, with Ksh2 million going into printing costs every single day.
This comes at a time when Kenyans are struggling with increased taxes, high fuel prices, and the burden of a rising cost of living. Many expected the government to lead by example in cutting waste, but the figures in the report show the opposite.
According to Nyakang’o’s findings, Ruto’s office was allocated Ksh4 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Out of this, an astonishing Ksh817 million was directed toward printing. When broken down, this amounts to Ksh68 million per month or Ksh2.2 million daily.
The printing was said to cover policies, executive orders, directives, proclamations, and other government documents.
While printing is a necessary government function, the figures appear excessive and hard to justify in an age where most countries have embraced digital systems that cut such costs drastically.
Critics argue that no amount of hard-copy paperwork or glossy documents can reasonably account for this level of expenditure.
The report further highlights that printing expenses were also tied to performance contracts, weekly press statements, emergency communications, and even regional media forums.
Lavish invitation cards for State House events are also said to have inflated the bills. Beyond printing, the revelations paint an even more troubling picture of how Ruto’s office is handling public funds.
A staggering Ksh1.9 billion was used for general administration and support services, while Ksh750 million was allocated for leadership and coordination.
Even more controversial is the Ksh1 billion set aside for presidential advisers. The breakdown includes Ksh62 million for Kenya and South Sudan advisory, Ksh46 million for Power of Mercy advisory, and Ksh97 million for Economic and Social Affairs advisory.
Other allocations included Ksh150 million for strategic policy advice and Ksh251 million for oversight of public entities.
At a time when the government is urging Kenyans to tighten their belts, such figures reflect an administration unwilling to make sacrifices.
Adding to this burden is the Ksh399 million already spent on refurbishing the president’s office.
The refurbishment, which is only two-thirds complete, is projected to consume over Ksh1.2 billion before 2027. This spending continues even as counties suffer delayed disbursements, hospitals lack basic supplies, and schools remain underfunded.
The picture painted by Nyakang’o’s report is that of a presidency insulated from the struggles of the people and comfortable in excess while citizens are asked to endure more suffering.
The reaction from the public has been swift and angry. Kenyans on social media have condemned the spending, with many describing it as theft of public resources.
Analysts say that spending Ksh2 million daily on printing in a digital era is nothing short of wasteful. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have already demanded full accountability, calling for disclosure of the contractors behind the printing deals and a closer look at procurement procedures.
The real test now is whether Parliament and oversight bodies will act on these revelations. Past reports of overspending by government offices have often been shelved with no accountability.
If nothing changes, this latest scandal will only fuel public distrust in the government. For many Kenyans, the story of Ksh2 million daily spent on printing is a clear sign of misplaced priorities at the heart of State House, where wasteful expenditure continues unchecked while ordinary citizens are crushed by austerity measures.
