State House spending on foreign trips crosses record Sh1bn

State House spending on foreign travel surpassed Sh1 billion in the nine months to March 2026, hitting Sh1.27 billion, eight times the Sh146.5 million spent a year earlier. The surge is linked to President William Ruto's numerous trips, including to Washington, London, Tokyo, and the Gulf region. The government defends these travels as essential for economic diplomacy and labor agreements, but raises concerns about the burden on taxpayers.