The promise of austerity from President William Ruto has been shaken by a shocking report from the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o. The report exposes how the Executive Office of the President has been burning through taxpayers’ money, spending Ksh2 million daily on printing alone.
This revelation has angered Kenyans who continue to grapple with rising living costs, increased taxes, and stalled development projects. Instead of cutting wasteful spending, Ruto’s office appears to be splurging on questionable services that raise serious accountability concerns.
CoB Report Exposes State House Overspending
According to the report, Ruto’s office received a budget of Ksh4 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year. Out of this, an eye-popping Ksh817 million was set aside for printing services. That figure breaks down to Ksh68 million a month, or roughly Ksh2.2 million every single day.
The printing costs covered government policies, executive orders, directives, proclamations, and other documents meant for ministries and agencies. While such activities are routine for any government, the figures reported by Nyakang’o are seen by many analysts as outrageous.
Observers say it is difficult to justify the amount given the global shift toward digital communication and e-governance. Critics argue that no amount of hard-copy documentation could explain why so much paper, ink, and contracts are required.
Other printing costs were tied to performance contracts, weekly press statements, emergency government communications, and regional media forums. High-profile events at State House also demanded glossy invitation cards, which may have pushed the figures higher.
Lavish Spending Extends Beyond Printing
The Controller of Budget’s report did not stop at printing costs. It revealed that Ruto’s office spent Ksh1.9 billion on general administration, planning, and support services. A further Ksh750 million went to leadership and coordination functions.
One of the most controversial allocations was Ksh1 billion directed to presidential advisers. This included Ksh62 million for Kenya and South Sudan advisory services, 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, Ksh251 million for oversight of public entities, and Ksh765 million for leadership coordination.
The revelations come at a time when Kenyans have been told to brace for tough economic times, with increased levies on basic goods and services. For many, it feels like the burden of austerity is being placed on ordinary citizens while State House enjoys a lavish lifestyle.
State House Refurbishment Adds More Burden
The report further disclosed that Ruto’s office spent Ksh399 million on the refurbishment of the president’s office. These works are only 66 percent complete, and projections indicate that all refurbishments within State House will consume over Ksh1.2 billion before their scheduled completion in 2027.
This figure raises questions about whether such massive investments are necessary at a time when counties are crying out for delayed disbursements, hospitals are struggling with shortages, and schools lack resources.
Margaret Nyakang’o’s report paints a picture of a presidency spending freely while asking citizens to tighten their belts. Opposition leaders and civil society groups are already demanding accountability. They argue that these revelations expose not just financial waste but a deliberate misuse of taxpayers’ money under the guise of running government operations.
Public Outcry Over Daily Printing Costs
The news that Ruto’s office is spending Ksh2 million daily on printing has sparked outrage among citizens online and offline. Many question how such expenditure can be defended when technology offers cheaper, faster, and more secure alternatives.
Kenyans have taken to social media to demand answers, with some calling the figures “daylight robbery.” Analysts warn that without urgent checks, this trend of ballooning State House expenditures could further cripple the country’s already stretched finances.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
The big question remains whether the revelations will trigger action. Parliament has powers to demand accountability from the Executive Office of the President, but previous reports of government overspending have often been ignored.
Civil society groups are pushing for full transparency, including the names of contractors supplying printing services and details of procurement procedures. They argue that if the government is serious about fighting corruption and wastage, then it must start from the very top.
For now, the report lays bare the reality that while Kenyans are being told to sacrifice, the Executive Office is running on a culture of excess. Unless drastic action is taken, the story of Ksh2 million daily on printing will remain a symbol of misplaced priorities at the heart of power.
