Budget Revision Wipes Out Sh35 Million and 10 Other Perks for Dorcas Gachagua

The Kenyan government has taken decisive action by abolishing the Office of the Spouse to the Deputy President.

This move, incorporated into the Supplementary Budget for the 2024/25 Financial Year, underscores President William Ruto's commitment to aligning government expenditure with the nation's financial capabilities. The decision comes against a backdrop of increasing allocations for the offices of high-ranking government spouses. The office of First Lady Rachel Ruto had seen its budget rise to Sh696 million while DP Rigathi Gachagua's wife was allocated Sh557 million. However, in response to public outcry and demands for more austere financial management, President Ruto announced that these offices would no longer be part of the governmental structure.

The austerity measures have led to the loss of Sh35 million in allowances for Pastor Dorcas office as well as the elimination of 10 other benefits ranging from hospitality supplies to routine vehicle maintenance. If the office had not been abolished, the taxpayer would have been required to pay Sh1.7 million for communication, supplies, and services. For the 2024/25 fiscal year, the Office of the Spouse to the Deputy President had requested Sh60 million for domestic travel, subsistence, and other transportation costs. Additionally, the government would have spent Sh47 million on foreign travel for the Second Lady.

Other proposed expenses included Sh10 million for rental of produced assets, Sh19 million for training, and Sh54 million for hospitality supplies and services. Pastor Dorcas' office had also been allocated Sh 2 million for office and general supplies and services, as well as Sh3.2 million for fuel, oil, and lubricants. Finally, the Treasury will save Sh3.6 million that had been set aside for routine maintenance of vehicles and other transport equipment. This action is part of a broader series of austerity measures implemented by the Ruto administration. The President emphasized the necessity of reducing costs and allocating resources more judiciously across all levels of government.

In a demonstration of leading by example, Ruto revealed that even the office of the president would be subject to these belt-tightening measures including a reduction in staff numbers. President Ruto has also shelved plans to appoint Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs), further exemplifying this commitment to fiscal prudence. Initially appointed in March 2023, these positions were later deemed unconstitutional by the courts. The decision to forgo these appointments came after a realization that the economy could not sustain the substantial salaries, allowances, and perks associated with these roles.

Ruto further hinted at restrictions on public officers' participation in Harambee or fundraising events. These events have been criticized as platforms for displaying extravagance at the taxpayers' expense.