Africa-Press – Kenya. The Executive Office of the President spent Sh481.9 million on government advisory services in six months despite calls for austerity measures. Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango in her national Government Budget
Implementation Review Report in the first half of 2024/25 Financial Year indicated this was part of the Sh1.13 billion allocated to the office for advisory services.
In total, the office had been allocated Sh3.58 billion. The Kenya-South Sudan Advisory Services had been allocated Sh95.75 million but had only spent Sh25.92 million, reflecting a mere 27 per cent
absorption rate. In this regard, the CoB found that the office facilitated the training of 25 officials of the government of South Sudan against the annual target of
60. Kenya has been providing capacity building for South Sudan even before
it attained Independence in 2011 through training for diplomats, prison officers, military and civil servants. Other advisory services that were programmed were Power of Mercy
advisory services, counter terrorism services, advisory services on economic and social affairs, strategic policy advisory services. Counter terrorism sub-programme was allocate the lion share if the
advisory services at Sh450 million, of which Sh225 million had been spent by December 31, 2024. Power of Mercy Advisory services was allocated Sh46.43 million, out of
which Sh13 million was absorbed by December 31, 2024. The activities here are advisory to the President, consideration of petitions for the Power of Mercy and sensitisation among prisoners, leaders and
the public on the electronic Power of Mercy Petition Management Information System. Advisory services on economic and social affairs spent Sh36.1 million
out of the budgeted Sh136.3 million. This covers 11 policy advisories and briefs on oceans and blue economy resources. Further, Strategic policy advisory services was allocated Sh150 million,
out of which Sh66.4 million had been spent by half year. The amount was spent on zero fault audit, legal and regulatory compliance by ministries and department, as well as 18 regional peace building,
rehabilitation and national cohesion forums. On public entities oversight, Sh115 5 million was absorbed from the Sh251.3 million allocated. Following the Gen Z protest last year, President William Ruto said he
would reduce government advisers by 50 per cent. While this didn’t happen, the proposal was part of Ruto’s radical measures to enforce tough austerity measures in government, following the pressure from the youth. Already, the President has the Council of Economic Advisors domiciled at State House with a budget of Sh1.1 billion.
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