Ruto Slashes Uhuru’s Retirement Benefits by Ksh99M

Ruto Slashes Uhuru's Retirement Benefits by Ksh99M

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s benefits have been cut by Ksh99 million as part of his austerity measures to align with the newly revised 2024/2025 budget.

In a statement by State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, the approved budget for State House was reduced from Ksh.9.496 billion to Ksh.4.382 billion, a budget cut by 54 per cent. 

Uhuru will now receive Ksh.547.45 million from Ksh.646.69 million previously allocated to his office.

State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito announced that the State House budget has been slashed by 54%, from Ksh9.496 billion to Ksh4.382 billion. One of the most affected areas is the benefits for retired presidents, reduced from Ksh646.69 million to Ksh547.45 million. Additionally, funds allocated for refurbishing eight State Lodges nationwide, including Nairobi, Kakamega, Nakuru, and others, have been entirely eliminated.

Furthermore, the office of the First Lady, initially allocated Ksh.696 million for women empowerment, climate change initiatives, and child protection programs, has seen its budget revised down to zero. For example, a planned initiative to plant 500 million trees across Kenya, budgeted at Ksh.4 million, has been canceled. Expenditure on presidential visits, national celebrations, state hospitality, and maintenance of government buildings has also been reduced.

This comes after former President Uhuru Kenyatta raised concerns on June 11, 2024, alleging severe underfunding of his office, with only Ksh28 million allocated out of the required Ksh646 million. He pointed out challenges such as blocked fuel cards and personal funding for travel due to limited state facilitation. This sparked a response from government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, asserting that Uhuru’s benefits were being fully provided.

Following a conversation between President Ruto and former President Kenyatta, a team has been formed to address these issues promptly.