Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has tabled 93 official documents in the Senate, which he said were obtained from the National Treasury, Central Bank of Kenya, Parliament, and the Auditor General’s websites.

He claimed the records show that trillions of shillings in public debt have been borrowed since 2014 without parliamentary approval, contrary to constitutional requirements. He said the material demonstrates a pattern of unconstitutional borrowing that requires accountability and oversight.

Omtatah stated that under President William Ruto’s four-year administration, approximately Ksh4.8 trillion had been borrowed without parliamentary approval, a figure he said was higher than borrowing recorded during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s eight-year tenure.

He described the issue as part of what he termed “odious debt” and maintained that oversight on public borrowing is a constitutional obligation. During the session, he began presenting Appropriation Acts and related documents from 2014 onward, while emphasising their official sources.

“Today at the @Senate_KE, I tabled 93 official documents proving that since 2014, trillions have been borrowed outside Parliament’s approval. Under Ruto’s 4 years, Ksh 4.8T was borrowed unconstitutionally, more than Uhuru’s 8 years. Oversight is not optional; it is constitutional,” he wrote on X.

Senate document presentation

During the Senate sitting, procedural exchanges were recorded as Omtatah continued presenting the documents.

The Speaker urged him to summarize his submissions, citing time limitations and the need to proceed with other House business. Some senators expressed support for his concerns, noting the significance of public debt levels and requesting a structured review of the documents.

Omtatah maintained that he would continue presenting the material in detail, stating his intention to ensure completeness in his submission. He said that parliamentary oversight on borrowing is not discretionary but is required under the Constitution. The session reflected differing approaches on how best to handle the extensive documentation presented before the House.

Public debt concerns

The presentation comes amid broader national discussions on Kenya’s rising public debt, which is estimated at about Ksh12–13 trillion. Concerns have been raised over increased debt servicing obligations, which continue to absorb a significant portion of government revenue and limit fiscal space for development expenditure.

Legal and policy commentators have also weighed in on public finance management. Lawyer Willis Otieno has called for a forensic audit of public debt, including verification of loans, projects financed, and value for money. He has also urged publication of detailed records of borrowing and expenditure, alongside reforms in public spending and fiscal management.

Within Parliament, differing views have emerged. Some lawmakers have cautioned that debt obligations constrain fiscal flexibility and may necessitate additional revenue measures. Others have defended continued borrowing, particularly for infrastructure development, arguing that it supports economic growth and long-term investment needs.