Kenya, Sept. 5 -- President William Ruto's State House alone spent Sh1.15 billion on hospitality, averaging 3 million shillings daily. Kenyan President William Ruto's administration faces fierce backlash over lavish tea spending, with a report exposing 6.3 billion shillings ($48 million) spent on tea, mandazis, and guest entertainment in 2024/25. Despite Ruto's austerity promises amid economic strain, the Controller of Budget flagged daily outlays of 17.2 million shillings, igniting public outrage over misplaced priorities.
The Controller of Budget's report stunned Kenyans, revealing State House alone spent 1.15 billion shillings on hospitality, averaging 3 million shillings daily.
This extravagant tea spending overshadowed critical sectors like education and healthcare, which received far less. Public frustration boiled over, with citizens questioning why refreshments took precedence when schools and hospitals struggled to secure adequate funding.
Nationwide protests in July 2024 had already highlighted economic discontent, with Kenyans demanding fiscal restraint. Ruto's pledges for austerity rang hollow as the report detailed 17.2 million shillings spent daily on entertainment.
Critics argued that such opulence, especially amid rising debt servicing costs, showed a disconnect between the government and ordinary citizens facing tough times.
Many called for transparency, pointing to the 7.6 billion shillings spent on hospitality the previous year, barely reduced despite economic woes. The lavish tea spending became a symbol of excess, with memes mocking the government's priorities circulating widely online.
State House defended the expenditure, citing its role in hosting diplomatic engagements. However, the justification failed to quell public fury, as Kenyans demanded accountability.
Analysts noted that the 6.3 billion shillings could have funded teacher salaries or medical supplies, highlighting the stark contrast between government largesse and underfunded public services.
The backlash has fueled calls for reforms, with activists urging stricter budget oversight. The Controller of Budget's report underscored the need for transparency in government spending, especially as debt servicing consumes a massive chunk of Kenya's budget. Public trust hangs in the balance, with many feeling betrayed by Ruto's unfulfilled promises of fiscal discipline.
Ruto's administration now faces a pivotal moment. The extravagant tea spending has become a lightning rod for criticism, amplifying demands for accountability.
As Kenyans grapple with economic hardship, the government's focus on lavish refreshments over essential services risks further eroding public confidence, pushing calls for meaningful reforms to restore faith in leadership.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.