The National Treasury has submitted a budget proposal to Parliament that would slash former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s retirement benefits by Sh94.6 million for the upcoming financial year. Documents reveal his allocation would drop from Sh371.46 million to Sh276.85 million, with significant reductions in foreign travel expenditures.
The proposed cuts extend to other former high-ranking officials, including opposition leader Raila Odinga and former vice presidents, as part of government austerity measures. Treasury officials cite the need for fiscal discipline amid economic challenges as justification for the reductions.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of escalating political tensions between President William Ruto’s administration and Uhuru’s camp. Ruto allies have repeatedly accused the former president of undermining the current government, while Uhuru’s supporters view the budget cuts as politically motivated retaliation.
The proposal has sparked heated debate in political circles, with some legislators vowing to challenge the reductions in Parliament. Legal experts suggest the cuts may face constitutional scrutiny regarding protections for former presidents’ benefits.
As Parliament prepares to debate the budget, observers warn the controversy could further polarize Kenya’s political landscape. The outcome may set important precedents for how retirement packages for former leaders are handled in future administrations.
The Treasury maintains the adjustments are necessary to redirect funds to critical development projects, while critics argue they risk weaponizing state resources in political battles.
“Meanwhile, civil society groups are calling for transparency in the budget process. ‘These decisions should be based on clear criteria, not political considerations,’ said Transparency International’s Sheila Masinde. The debate continues as Kenya navigates between fiscal constraints and political rivalries.”
