The National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has questioned the expenditure of Sh5.3 billion by the State Department for Foreign Affairs on State Visits during the 2025/2026 Financial Year.
The Committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, raised concerns over the spending during a session held to review the State Department’s budget estimates for the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
Abdikadir Mohamed challenged the expenditure, arguing that some costs associated with State Visits should have been met through the State House budget.
Officials from the State Department for Foreign Affairs, led by Ambassador Josphat Maikara on behalf of Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei, defended the expenditure, stating that the department is mandated to facilitate logistical arrangements for both inbound and outbound State Visits once directives are issued by State House.
Senior Chief Finance Officer Mr. Aloyo told the Committee that the department handles accommodation, transport and meals for State Visits, while State House caters for other engagements, including advocacy-related activities.
“On the State Visits, we receive notices from State House on planned visits. Ours is to facilitate accommodation, movement and meals, while State House caters for any other activities like advocacy,” said Aloyo.
He explained that the department often exhausts its budget allocation due to the unpredictable nature and size of the visits, forcing it to reallocate funds from planned activities, which later become outstanding or pending bills.
The Committee heard that the State Department had already spent Sh2.2 billion against an allocation of Sh1.8 billion for State Visits in the current financial year. Officials further disclosed that the department had been instructed to facilitate 11 additional outbound State Visits before June 2026 at an estimated cost of Sh3.1 billion.
Lawmakers also questioned proposed development expenditure in the 2026/2027 budget estimates, particularly Sh60.82 million earmarked for the establishment of a Kenyan mission in Hanoi, Vietnam, despite no ambassadorial appointment having been made.
“In your budget books, there is Sh60.82 million for establishment of a mission in Vietnam, yet no appointment has been made. What exactly is that allocation going to be used for?” posed Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
Responding to the concerns, Ambassador Maikara informed the Committee that Cabinet had already approved the establishment of Kenyan missions in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Copenhagen, Denmark.
“I want to assure the Committee that the Cabinet approved establishment of missions in Hanoi, Vietnam and Copenhagen, Denmark. The Sh60 million is to help set up that mission in Vietnam and we have already notified that country that we are setting up that mission,” he said.
Committee Vice-Chairperson Bashir Abdullaih directed officials to submit a detailed breakdown of allocations to all foreign missions for scrutiny by the Committee.
Members were informed that the State Department for Foreign Affairs had received an additional allocation of Sh113.8 million in the 2026/2027 estimates, increasing its budget from Sh26.714 billion proposed in the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) to Sh26.828 billion.
Meanwhile, lawmakers also scrutinised the State Department for Diaspora Affairs over its request for an additional Sh639.4 million to support diaspora security and anti-human trafficking operations.
Joshua Kandie raised concerns over the rising number of Kenyans falling victim to human trafficking and fraudulent overseas job recruitment schemes.
“Recently, there is an increase in cases of human trafficking. What measures have you taken to stop it before it occurs? Secondly, what are you doing to those agencies advertising fake job recruitments?” asked Kandie.
Responding to the concerns, Ambassador Hellen Gichuhi acknowledged the growing challenge of human trafficking, noting that the additional funding sought would support the establishment of safe houses, emergency evacuations and protection programmes for Kenyans abroad.
“To curb cases of human trafficking, we are engaging a multi-agency approach involving the NIS, DCI, NEA and the State Department of Labour. We have also asked for funds for sensitisation programmes across the country,” said Ambassador Gichuhi.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs had requested Sh720 million for the interventions but was allocated only Sh80.6 million, leaving a funding gap of Sh639.4 million.
Overall, the department received Sh817 million, reflecting a Sh27 million deficit from the initial Sh844 million allocation proposed in the Budget Policy Statement.
The Committee also received submissions from the State Department for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, where Principal Secretary Dr. Caroline Karugu highlighted achievements, including the operationalisation of EAC border offices at One Stop Border Posts and measures aimed at eliminating non-tariff barriers within the region.
Despite the progress, the State Department for EAC Affairs recorded a reduction of Sh31.9 million in its proposed budget allocation, dropping from Sh841.4 million in the Budget Policy Statement to Sh809.4 million in the 2026/2027 estimates.
Additionally, the Committee received presentations from the Ministry of Defence led by Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, as well as officials from the National Intelligence Service.
Closing the session, Koech reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to ensuring Ministries, Departments and Agencies receive adequate funding to effectively deliver on their mandates.
He further observed that the current budget-making process would likely be the final cycle handled by the Committee during the 13th Parliament, underscoring the need to leave behind a lasting legacy.
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