State House is set to spend Ksh.17 billion by the end of the current financial year, double the Ksh.8.58 billion originally allocated, as officials cite expanding operational needs and the addition of new state lodges. The escalation has raised public scrutiny over the institution’s rising appetite for taxpayer funds.
Budget Increase and Supplementary Allocation
Initially, the 2025/2026 State House budget, approved by the National Assembly, stood at Ksh.8.58 billion. Following rapid depletion of the initial allocation, a Supplementary Budget 1 added Ksh.8.43 billion, bringing the projected total spending to Ksh.17 billion. State House requested this additional funding in September 2025, just three months into the financial year, citing salary reviews and enhanced operations and maintenance costs.
State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito defended the increase, stating:
“We have not even attained what was our requirement, let alone surpassed it. Our requirement was Ksh.18 billion for the entire financial year. When we requested Ksh.18 billion, we were given Ksh.7.6 billion.”
Part of the additional allocation was drawn under Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows the national government to spend funds not authorised by an appropriation act under emergency or unbudgeted circumstances. However, the Controller of Budget has repeatedly warned that the law is being stretched, raising concerns about financial prudence.
Factors Driving the Rising Expenditure
Several factors contribute to the ballooning budget:
- New State Lodges: Four additional lodges have been built in Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kitui, and Kwale, each adding operational costs, staff requirements, and maintenance expenses.
- National Events: Funding for events such as Madaraka Day and Mashujaa Day now requires county-level participation, adding to operational expenditures.
- Rapid Budget Depletion: State House spent its initial allocation within three months, necessitating urgent supplementary funding.
Ole Metito further highlighted future projections:
“We had projected that by the end of the current financial year we would need Ksh.18 billion, but we will be allocated Ksh.16.4 billion. In the upcoming financial year, our projection is Ksh.20 billion, but we have been allocated Ksh.11 billion.”
Historical Spending Trends and Legal Challenges
State House expenditures have steadily increased over the years:
- 2022/2023: Ksh.9.1 billion
- 2023/2024: Ksh.11.3 billion
- 2024/2025: Ksh.12 billion
Legal scrutiny has also emerged, including a petition to halt President William Ruto from hosting political events at State House, which may have indirectly contributed to the escalating budget.
The dramatic rise in State House expenditure has triggered debate about financial accountability, spending controls, and the prioritization of public resources in Kenya’s fiscal framework.
