Kenya’s financially strained government has been spending extravagantly on pricey curtains, extravagant garden parties, and luxurious lifestyles, despite austerity measures burdening its citizens. According to a recent report by the country’s auditor general, the office of the deputy president allocated 10.2 million shillings ($70,000) for curtains and approximately $50,000 for furniture.
The purchases, deemed “in breach of the law” for violating procurement regulations, have incited public outrage
Kenyan teacher Moses Bett expressed frustration in Nairobi, stating, “They have stretched my finances to the brink while indulging in drinks and dining.”
In the East African powerhouse, where corruption is a pressing concern, taxes were increased to bolster government revenue for debt repayments, further burdening citizens already grappling with soaring prices of essential goods.
“I’m barely scraping by,” Mr. Bett lamented, patting the front pockets of his charcoal grey trousers. “Each day it gets tougher to provide for my family with what little remains of my salary,” the 32-year-old father of two expressed.
President William Ruto, who held the position of deputy leader from 2013 to 2022, pledged to reduce government expenditure, cautioning Kenyans in his inauguration address that “we are exceeding our financial capabilities.”
However, the former businessman turned politician, who ran on a promise to uplift the nation’s impoverished, intends to allocate over 1.3 billion shillings ($8.9 million) to renovate his eight official residences.
Renovations for his offices at Nairobi’s State House, constructed a century ago, are projected to surpass 700 million shillings. This expense exceeds the cost of over 800 houses under a tax-funded housing plan initiated by Ruto last year.
Additionally, more than 800 million shillings ($5.5 million) have been allocated for the procurement of vehicles for Ruto, his deputy, and the prime cabinet secretary.
The government has yet to issue a public response to the auditor general’s report and has not addressed AFP requests for comment.
‘Leaders do not care’
Hawker Sharon Mwaruma lamented, “It seems they’ve forsaken us… once they assumed power.”
During the initial six months of his presidency, Ruto, known for abstaining from alcohol, allocated over 1.49 billion shillings towards receptions, parties, and other hospitality provisions, as per treasury records. Additionally, scrutiny has been directed towards the president’s overseas journeys.
As reported by The Standard newspaper, Ruto, nicknamed “the flying president”, has spent one out of every five days abroad, traveling to more than 38 countries since assuming office in September 2022.
Mr. Ruto has justified the trips as integral to his responsibilities.
“I don’t travel for leisure. My purpose is to strategize for the welfare of Kenya,” he stated during a church service in December.
“I’ve been linking Kenyans with employment and investment prospects globally,” he asserted.
However, Kenyans remain unconvinced.
“Leaders show no concern for us, despite us electing them into power,” Chef Judith Kamau remarked while seated on a dilapidated pavement in Kilimani, an upmarket business district.
Get rich quick
Over the years, Kenyan governments have faced accusations of widespread embezzlement, despite frequent pledges to combat corruption and misuse of funds.
Last month, Kenya was placed on a “grey list” by the Financial Action Task Force, a global watchdog on anti-money laundering, triggering heightened monitoring of the country.
Critics argue that Mr. Ruto’s economic policies have made minimal impact in alleviating the hardships faced by Kenyans. Inflation remains high, reaching 6.9% in January, with the International Monetary Fund cautioning that it is expected to rise further in the first half of this year. Additionally, Kenya’s public debt has surged to over $70 billion, amounting to more than 67% of the gross domestic product.
The Kenyan shilling plummeted to record lows before experiencing a slight recovery in recent weeks following the government’s implementation of a $1.5 billion Eurobond buyback scheme. Purity Mwende, who is currently unemployed, expressed little hope in the government, stating, “In Kenya, politics is merely a path to quick wealth.” The 26-year-old added, “Only their families are reaping the benefits.”
