A new report from the Controller of Budget has revealed that government agencies spent Sh6.3 billion on hospitality items, mainly tea and mandazis, during the financial year ending June 30, 2025.
This was despite directives by President William Ruto for fiscal austerity and radical cost-cutting measures to help the country steer the difficult economic situation that has persisted since the Covid-19 era.
This means the government has been spending Sh17.2 million daily on refreshments and entertainment.
The huge expenditure shows there has only been a marginal decline in the hospitality spend, despite Ruto’s tough talk on austerity.
Last year, the government spent Sh7.6 billion on hospitality. State House recorded the highest hospitality expenditure of Sh1.15 billion—translating to Sh3 million daily—followed by the Judiciary at Sh514.65 million—about Sh1.5 million daily.
State House plays host to high-level diplomatic engagements, political gatherings and has a stream of visitors owing to the nature of the President’s responsibilities.
