By Allan Kisia
Senior Government officials have spent over Sh1.1 billion in foreign trips since the formation of the Grand Coalition Government in 2008.
However, the figure does not include money spent by the President, Deputy Prime Ministers, and ministries of Local Government, Justice, Regional Development, and Tourism.
Among the highest spenders are the Ministry of Finance (Sh193.6 million) Prime Minister (Sh133 million) and East African Community (Sh70.9 million). Ministry of Agriculture spent Sh47.5 million while Nairobi Metropolitan Development used Sh44.8 million.
Least spenders are Public Service (Sh967,000), Lands (Sh3.9 million), Fisheries Development (Sh5.4 million), National Heritage and Culture (Sh3.6 million) and Livestock Development (Sh7 million).
Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the Offices of the President and VP have asked for more time to compile details and the cost of foreign trips.
“The others missing on the list are in the process of making available the relevant information,” he stated.
Raila spoke yesterday during the Prime Minister’s time. He provided a breakdown of the of international trips, cost of travel and accommodation expenses for 37 ministries out of 40.
Samburu East MP Raphael Letimalo had asked Raila to provide a list of official foreign trips by the President, VP, DPMs and ministers since the formation of the Grand Coalition Government in 2008.
Tour essential
He also sought to know how much money the Government spent on air-tickets and accommodation, including those of the delegation.
Raila was quick to point out that only ministers use First-Class. He said assistant ministers, Permanent Secretaries, parastatal heads and officers in job Group S use Business-Class.
