The office of Vice President Rigathi Gachagua is facing major budget cuts for the current fiscal year.
As part of the Ruto regime’s recent round of austerity measures, Gachagua’s office is taking a substantial cut of Sh1.8 billion, mainly affecting travel and hospitality expenditure. The Deputy President’s office, which was initially allocated Sh4.57 billion, is now facing a reduced budget of Sh2.69 billion. The cuts are targeted at recurring activities, including domestic and international travel, hospitality and the acquisition of furniture and vehicles.
In comparison, President Ruto’s office saw a reduction of Sh647 million, while Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s office saw its budget shrink by Sh419 million. These budgetary adjustments were precipitated by the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill, following widespread protests across the country. In response to demands from the youth, President Ruto announced the closure of the offices of the First Lady and the wives of DP Gachagua and Mr Mudavadi. The impact on Gachagua’s office is particularly severe, affecting programmes that are close to his heart.
The Coffee Sector Implementation Committee has seen its budget cut by Sh88.8 million, while the Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction Programme is facing a reduction of Sh42.5 million. In addition, the Sh557 million allocation for his wife’s office has been completely removed. Gachagua had expressed frustration with government officials over the inexplicable reopening of previously closed bars. He decried the issuance of licenses for the distribution and sale of harmful alcohol, highlighting the moral and public health implications.
The Sh1.87 billion cut in Gachagua’s office budget far dwarfs the cuts in President Ruto’s executive office and that of Mr Mudavadi. The latter suffered a comparatively modest reduction of Sh419 million. The repercussions of these austerity measures extend beyond individual offices. The presidential palace stands to lose Sh3.6 billion, including funds for travel, hospitality, vehicle purchases and household furnishings.
