State House has been allocated an additional Sh8.4 billion in the revised budget estimates for the 2025/26 financial year, effectively doubling its total budget from Sh7.7 billion to Sh16.1 billion, subject to approval by the National Assembly.
The supplementary allocation, presented to Parliament’s Budget and Appropriations Committee on March 4, 2026, reflects what Treasury officials described as “unforeseen operational requirements” and “enhanced presidential engagements” during the current financial year. The bulk of the increase is directed to State House Nairobi operations, which jump from Sh6 billion to Sh14 billion, while the remaining components of the State House vote see more modest adjustments.
The most dramatic line-item increases include:
New vehicles: from Sh6.9 million to Sh141 million
Domestic travel: from Sh376 million to Sh2 billion
Hospitality: from Sh338 million to Sh1.6 billion
Fuel: from Sh191 million to Sh600 million
Vehicle maintenance: from Sh136 million to Sh530 million
Domestic travel: from Sh376 million to Sh2 billion
Hospitality: from Sh338 million to Sh1.6 billion
Fuel: from Sh191 million to Sh600 million
Vehicle maintenance: from Sh136 million to Sh530 million
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, appearing before the committee, justified the revisions as necessary to maintain the dignity of the presidency, support increased official travel and ensure adequate logistical capacity for national functions. “State House serves not only as the official residence but also as the nerve centre for executive coordination, national ceremonies and high-level engagements,” Kiptoo told MPs. “These additional resources will enable us to meet protocol obligations, maintain the fleet and host events without compromising standards expected of the Head of State.”
The sharp rise in vehicle acquisition—from Sh6.9 million to Sh141 million—has drawn particular scrutiny. Treasury officials explained that the original allocation covered routine replacements and maintenance, while the supplementary request includes procurement of specialised armoured and protocol vehicles needed for presidential duties and VIP movements. “The fleet must be renewed periodically to meet security and reliability standards,” Kiptoo added. “The increase reflects both inflation in vehicle costs and the need for additional units.”
Domestic travel has been increased more than five-fold to Sh2 billion, attributed to more frequent presidential tours, regional peace initiatives, climate conferences and oversight visits to development projects across counties. Hospitality spending, which covers catering, accommodation and event management for official functions, rises nearly five times to Sh1.6 billion, while fuel and vehicle maintenance allocations have also been significantly enhanced to support the expanded mobility.
The revised estimates now await debate and approval in the committee stage of the budget process. Several MPs on the committee expressed reservations during the hearing, questioning the scale of the increases amid ongoing fiscal pressures. “When ordinary Kenyans are struggling with the cost of living, it is difficult to justify tripling hospitality and quintupling travel budgets at State House,” one committee member remarked. “We need to see detailed breakdowns and justification for every shilling.”
Others defended the allocation as necessary for effective governance. “The presidency is not an ordinary office—it carries symbolic weight and operational demands that cannot be compared to regular ministries,” a supporter of the proposal argued. “These funds ensure the Head of State can discharge duties without logistical embarrassment.”
Public reaction has been swift and largely critical. Social media commentary has focused on the contrast between the proposed spending and persistent challenges in healthcare, education and infrastructure. Many Kenyans have questioned the timing, especially as the government continues to seek public support for fiscal consolidation measures.
The Comptroller of State House, Katoo ole Metito, has been summoned to appear before the committee next week to provide itemised justifications and answer questions on procurement processes, cost controls and value-for-money assessments for the major line items.
If approved in its current form, the revised State House budget would represent one of the largest proportional increases among government votes in the 2025/26 financial year. The additional Sh8.4 billion would be funded through reallocations within the consolidated fund and expected revenue performance, according to Treasury projections.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee is expected to finalise its report on the revised estimates by mid-March, with plenary debate and voting to follow shortly thereafter. Whatever the outcome, the proposed figures have already intensified public and parliamentary scrutiny of executive spending priorities at a time of economic hardship for many households.
