Kenyan Governors, MCAs Spent Sh16.2 Billion on Travel Amid Public Service Strain

Nairobi, Kenya – September 20, 2025 (EAT).

A new audit has revealed that Kenyan governors and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) spent more than Sh16.2 billion on travel in the financial year ending June 2025, sparking concerns over wasteful expenditure amid budget deficits and stalled development projects.

The Latest

• Total Travel Spending: Sh16.2 billion

• Domestic Trips: Sh14.22 billion

• Foreign Trips: Sh2.01 billion (destinations included Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, Ethiopia)

• Top Spenders:

  • Nairobi – Sh863.3 million

  • Machakos – Sh631.2 million

  • Mombasa, Kisumu, Kitui also among highest spenders

The Controller of Budget warned the expenditures were unsustainable and urged counties to cut costs to prioritise healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects.

Context & Background

• Public Finance Management Act (2012): Requires counties to allocate at least 30% to development projectsover the medium term.

• Current Trend: Most counties continue to spend over 70% on recurrent expenses like salaries, allowances, and travel.

• Economic Climate: Kenya faces rising debt obligations, high inflation, and delayed disbursements from the national treasury.

Stakeholder Reactions

• Controller of Budget: Called for stricter travel regulations and adoption of virtual meetings to cut costs.

• Civil Society: Criticised “luxury tourism at taxpayer expense” while clinics, roads, and schools lack funding.

• Policy Analysts: Urged counties to align budgets with national economic priorities to avert public backlash.

Evidence & Data Box

Risks & Implications

• Service Delivery Gaps: Less funding for health, education, and water projects.

• Public Anger: Could fuel protests over wasteful spending amid high cost of living.

• Audit Findings: May trigger Parliamentary investigations and legal scrutiny.

Policy & Legal Angle

• Section 107(2)(b) of the PFMA: Requires counties to allocate at least 30% of budgets to development.

• Proposed Reforms:

  • Virtual meetings for conferences

  • Stricter budget ceilings on travel allowances

  • Real-time public disclosure of county expenditures

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether EACC or Senate oversight committees will investigate high-spending counties.

• If Treasury will impose future budget caps on travel.

Timeline

• July 2025: Audit period closes.

• Sept 2025: Controller of Budget releases report flagging excessive travel costs.

• Oct–Nov 2025: Senate and National Assembly committees expected to summon governors for questioning.

What to Watch

• County compliance with PFMA spending thresholds in the 2025/26 financial year.

• Possible court petitions challenging misuse of public funds.

• Adoption of e-governance platforms to reduce physical travel costs.

Related Coverage

• Nairobi, Kisumu Among Counties Spending Less Than 20% on Development

• Controller of Budget Flags Ballooning County Wage Bills Amid Revenue Deficits