In a recent report by the Controller of Budget, Machakos County emerged as the highest spender on foreign travel among all counties, racking up an expenditure of Sh372.91 million between July 1 and December 31, 2024. The report highlights the county’s significant investment in overseas trips, with county officials reportedly attending various international events and conferences. Notably, Machakos spent Sh3.4 million to send a five-person delegation to a livestock and food security conference in Brazil and facilitated trips for officials to the United Kingdom and Dubai.
At the other end of the spectrum, Baringo County recorded the lowest foreign travel expenditure, spending Sh185.98 million within the same period. Despite its more modest spending, the county still allocated funds for officials to participate in overseas conferences and cultural events. The county’s restrained budgetary approach has drawn attention amidst growing concerns over excessive foreign travel spending by devolved governments.
The Sh6.6 billion collective expenditure by counties on foreign travel has sparked debate, especially given the financial constraints facing public health and other essential services. The top spenders—Machakos (Sh372.91 million), Nairobi (Sh369.03 million), Kitui (Sh315.31 million), Nyandarua (Sh223.15 million), and Kajiado (Sh217.71 million)—collectively accounted for a significant portion of the travel budget, raising questions about prioritization of resources. Other counties with notable foreign travel spending include Kakamega (Sh215.48 million), Meru (Sh202.22 million), Kisumu (Sh196.11 million), Busia (Sh189.86 million), and Baringo (Sh185.98 million).
As scrutiny intensifies, the need for accountability and responsible fiscal management remains at the forefront, with calls for counties to balance international engagements with domestic service delivery needs.
