Members of Parliament have raised concerns over high expenditure in the Office of the Deputy President, particularly on the use of hired helicopters, as scrutiny on public spending intensifies.
The concerns emerged on April 9 during a session of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is currently reviewing pending bills amounting to Ksh478 million for the 2024/2025 financial year. Documents tabled before the committee show that approximately Ksh150 million was spent on hiring helicopters.
Lawmakers were particularly alarmed by records indicating that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office spent up to Ksh8 million on helicopter services in a single day. The expenditure has sparked questions over the prudence and value for money in the use of public resources.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo questioned the justification of such spending, noting that several entries reflected costs ranging between Ksh3 million and Ksh4 million, with some days recording significantly higher figures.
“There is an entry showing over Ksh8 million spent in a single day on flights to multiple destinations. Is this level of spending practical?” Amollo posed.
The records indicate that the helicopter services were used for travel to areas including Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Isiolo and Kitui. Some legislators also raised concerns over the frequency of trips linked to the Deputy President’s home county, questioning whether all journeys were strictly official.
However, PAC Chairperson Tindi Mwale defended the DP’s right to travel, stating that he is entitled to visit his home area like any other citizen.
Beyond travel expenses, the committee also examined additional spending on hospitality, including catering services, staff costs, food and fresh flowers. MPs emphasised the need for transparency and accountability, calling for a thorough review of all expenditures.
The committee further flagged the absence of a functional audit committee within the Office of the Deputy President, terming it a critical gap in financial oversight. Members directed the office to submit detailed documentation within a week, including a breakdown of how the reported Ksh8 million daily expenditure was utilised.
In response, the Office of the Deputy President said it is working closely with the National Treasury to address budgetary constraints and reduce pending bills. It also pledged to implement measures aimed at improving financial management and ensuring better control of expenditure going forward.
The inquiry comes at a time when concerns over rising public debt and the high cost of living continue to dominate national discourse, placing increased pressure on government institutions to demonstrate prudent use of taxpayer funds.
