State House dominates budget as public services struggle

State House has received Ksh7.6 billion, equivalent to 99.7 per cent of its annual recurrent budget, within the first six months of the 2025/2026 financial year. This comes even as the government faces a significant revenue shortfall, according to a National Treasury report published on December 19.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi revealed that total revenue collections stood at Ksh1.81 trillion against a projected Ksh4.43 trillion, leaving a substantial deficit. Tax revenue, the government’s primary source, underperformed at Ksh909.8 billion compared to an estimated Ksh2.63 trillion, while non-tax revenue also fell short at Ksh42.2 billion against Ksh127.6 billion.

Despite these gaps, offices of the President and Deputy President received nearly all their allocations, with Ksh1.5 billion and Ksh2.6 billion disbursed respectively. In contrast, other key government institutions, including the National Police Service, Ministry of Defence, devolution offices, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office, received partial or marginal funding.

The report raises questions about prioritisation of spending amid promises by President William Ruto to curb executive expenditure, as citizens continue to voice concern over high taxation and the impact of funding shortfalls on essential public services.