The controller of budget has in a report revealed how counties blew Sh 8.59 billion on foreign and domestic travel in the first nine months of the last financial year against an approved annual budget allocation of Sh 13.17 billion.

According to the controller of budget, the Sh 8B spent by counties is an increase of Sh 3.31 billion from the Sh 5.28 spent in the mid-year report for the fiscal year 2016/17.

Nairobi, Machakos and Nakuru Counties Biggest Spenders on Trips

Nairobi, Machakos and Nakuru counties had the highest expenditure on trips having spent a total Sh449.01 million, Sh340.66 million and Sh322.82 million, respectively.

Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, and West Pokot were the least spenders at Sh64.45 million, Sh65.09 million and Sh91.31 million, respectively.

Meeting And Travel Allowances Taking Huge Chunk Of County Revenues

The controller of Budget chief Agnes Odhiambo has warned that meeting and travel allowances are taking a huge chunk of county governments’ revenues.

“County representatives spent Sh1.73 billion on sitting allowances in the period to March, with each of the country’s 2, 266 MCAs earning on average Sh84, 874 monthly,” she said.

Since the inception of devolution, County governments have been facing numerous challenges in observing the Public Finance Management Act 2012. Last year February, governors had agreed to cut on travel expenses by 50 per cent.