Olekina Slams State House Spending, Demands End to Costly Launches
Money was spent on printing executive orders, contracts, press releases, communication materials, and State House event invitation cards.
The senator asked the government for their appetite for expensive launches and grandiose events. He called them flashy but adding no concrete worth to the economy.PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/Olekinaledama
By Juliet Jerotich
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has attacked the government severely for what he called unnecessary and wanton spending. His attack followed a report that said the State House spent more than Ksh 800 million in printing costs alone during the last financial year.
In a post on his X account on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Olekina said the money could have been used differently. He argued that money could have been invested in development initiatives that have a direct impact on people. These, he further added, include increasing infrastructure and employment opportunities.
The senator asked the government for their appetite for expensive launches and grandiose events. He called them flashy but adding no concrete worth to the economy. Rather, he dared the President to embrace cheaper, innovative ways of leadership.
According to Olekina, technology has been enhanced and more affordable access methods to citizens. He emphasized that public funds should not be spent on ceremonies but rather beneficial activities. He claimed that the leaders should have open and transparent finances.
“You may not like it, but I’ll say it. State House lunches are a waste of taxpayer money. Bus rides, allowances and buffets do not create jobs or build roads. Mr. President, suspend county tours and State House feasts for at least 100 days. Use digital platforms to engage with citizens. Move away from politics of food to politics of the future,” Olekina wrote.
The comment came in the wake of Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, whose report cited the costliness of operations at the Executive Office of the President. The report indicated that the expenditure on printing averaged a day during the 2024/2025 financial year at Ksh2.2 million.
The total sum, the report continues, was Ksh817 million. Money was spent on printing executive orders, contracts, press releases, communication materials, and State House event invitation cards.
Dr. Nyakang’o also made known that the office incurred a lot in advisory services. Ksh62 million was incurred in Kenya–South Sudan advisory services. Ksh 46 million was used in the Power of Mercy program. Another Ksh450 million was incurred in counter-terrorism advisory services.
She further noted that Ksh97 million was incurred in economic and social affairs advisory. Strategic policy advisory services accounted for Ksh150 million. Oversight over public entities took another Ksh 251 million.
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