The cost of running national government offices increased by a record Sh199.2 billion in the financial year to June 2026, pushing recurrent expenditure sharply higher despite repeated government pledges to contain public spending.

Treasury data shows spending on operations and maintenance rose significantly, covering travel, fuel, office expenses, training, electricity, water, communication, vehicle maintenance and other administrative costs.

The increase comes as the government faces pressure to reduce recurrent expenditure, manage rising debt and redirect more resources toward development.

High operating costs are also complicating fiscal consolidation efforts and reducing the space available for infrastructure and other productive spending.