Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office is requesting an additional Ksh625.4 million, with Ksh100 million earmarked for renovations of Harambee House Annexe and the official Karen residence, and Sh525.4 million for recurrent expenditure.

Documents presented to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security claim that insufficient funds for hospitality and travel could hinder office performance.

Principal Administrative Secretary Moses Mbaruku emphasised the need for additional funding as the office coordinates inter-ministerial engagements and implements government priorities aligned with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“The office plays a key role in spearheading various strategic interventions, fast-tracking the implementation of government policies, programs and projects across the country,” the documents say.

“It is upon this premise that the office is requesting not only the reinstatement of the rationalised budget but also additional allocation to ensure the Deputy President is adequately facilitated to deliver on his mandate.”

The office was allocated Sh2.9 billion, a decrease from Sh3.4 billion proposed in the Budget Policy Statement. The additional funding requests include Sh114.9 million for domestic travel, Sh86.3 million for foreign travel, and Sh170.8 million for hospitality.

Foreign observers

Meanwhile, the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services is seeking Sh20 billion for various activities, including printing new ID cards and issuing Maisha Namba.

“The massive campaign by government to encourage registration of the public eligible for ID cards has increased in demand,” Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang told MPs.

This follows President William Ruto’s directive to issue free ID cards to Kenyans aged 18 and above, reversing a fee increase from Sh100 to Sh300. The President also eliminated the vetting requirement for Northern Kenya applicants that had been in place for 60 years.

The Immigration Department also needs funds for repatriating illegal immigrants, electronic travel authorisation, specialised equipment, and mobile registration services.