President William Ruto has decreased former presidents' pensions by Ksh.99 million as part of his austerity measures in line with the newly amended 2024/2025 budget.
According to State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, the approved budget for the State House has been slashed by 54%, from Ksh.9.496 billion to Ksh.4.382 billion.
One of the most impacted programs was the retiring presidents' benefits, which were reduced from Ksh.646.69 million to Ksh.547.45 million.
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Another program significantly impacted was the renovation of eight State Lodges nationwide, including Nairobi, Kakamega, Nakuru, Eldoret, Sagana, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Mtito Andei.
The government had also set aside Ksh.696 million for the First Lady's office to support four programs focusing on women's empowerment, climate change, social justice promotion, and child safety in secure homes and families.
For example, her agency was scheduled to receive Ksh.4 million to plant 500 million trees nationwide. The amount has likewise been adjusted to zero.
In addition, the government slashed spending on presidential visits, national festivals, official hospitality, and property upkeep (both residential and non-residential).
On June 11, 2024, former President Uhuru Kenyatta claimed that the State had only provided Ksh.28 million of the needed Ksh.646 million to his office, accounting for 4.4% of the total.
Through his spokeswoman, Kanze Dena, the former president stated that he filled his automobiles to perform errands when the State barred and invalidated his gasoline cards in March 2023.
The former president also stated that the State Department only assisted two of his visits, forcing him to pay for his own.
The statements were in reaction to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura's allegation that Uhuru's office received all of the advantages offered by the state.
Following a phone call between Ruto and Uhuru, the president assembled a team to address all of the issues mentioned by the Fourth President's office.
