The Office of the Controller of Budget has revealed that President William Ruto’s office spent more than Sh1.07 billion on advisory services in the first year of the 2024/2025 financial cycle, drawing from its total allocation of Sh4.6 billion.
According to the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report, the money went into a wide range of advisory roles from counterterrorism and regional diplomacy to policy formulation and the exercise of presidential powers.
Counterterrorism advisory services accounted for the largest share at Sh475.7 million. Other allocations included Sh62.4 million for Kenya–South Sudan advisory services, Sh45.68 million for matters related to the Power of Mercy, Sh249.63 million for oversight of public entities, and Sh148.22 million for strategic policy advisories.
Beyond these, a further Sh758 million was used under leadership and coordination services.
The report highlights specific outcomes tied to some of these expenditures. For instance, the Kenya–South Sudan programme facilitated the training of 48 government officials in Juba, out of a targeted 60. Under the Power of Mercy advisory framework, four full committee meetings were held, alongside 12 sittings to review petitions, while the President received formal advisories on clemency requests. Additionally, 12 sensitization forums were conducted with prisoners, leaders, and the public on the electronic Power of Mercy Petition Management Information System (ePOMPMIS).
On the economic and social policy front, the presidency received 100 briefs and advisories, many of which were tied to the blue economy and oceans resources. President Ruto also took part in 24 of 26 planned high-level engagements with stakeholders.
The Controller of Budget’s report underscores just how much of the presidency’s financial muscle is channelled into advisory functions a sign, it notes, of the growing reliance on expert counsel in both domestic governance and regional affairs.
