Deputy President Kithure Kindiki spent Sh153.6 million on helicopter travel across the country within just 75 days, according to official records submitted to Parliament.
The disclosure comes shortly after MPs approved an additional Sh450 million for the Office of the Deputy President (ODP) in the 2025/26 supplementary budget, with part of the funds allocated to hospitality and helicopter hire.
Documents presented to the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by Principal Administrative Secretary Moses Mbaruku reveal extensive spending not only on air transport but also on operational costs within the DP’s office. These include Sh117.3 million on catering, Sh80.24 million on tents and décor, and Sh40.4 million on food supplies such as meat, vegetables, and other provisions.
The high expenditure on helicopter services has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the government under President William Ruto continues to push austerity measures amid persistent revenue shortfalls by the Kenya Revenue Authority and rising public debt.
PAC members, led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, questioned the scale and frequency of the spending, highlighting instances where up to Sh8 million was spent on helicopter hire in a single day.
“I am worried about the expenses on the helicopter. Is it reasonable that we spend Sh8 million in a single day on helicopter trips? Is it even practicable?” posed Dr Amollo.
The records do not indicate the specific activities undertaken during the trips. However, the travel coincided with the lead-up to the November 27, 2025, by-elections in at least 24 electoral areas, where the ruling party was seeking to strengthen its position.
Detailed entries show repeated high-cost trips across multiple regions. On June 25, 2025, the Deputy President spent Sh8.2 million on flights covering areas including Eldoret, Kisii, Webuye, Bomet, and Baringo. On another occasion, Sh8.1 million was used for travel across Tharaka, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Kitui counties.
Further spending included Sh6.9 million on July 2, 2025, for trips spanning Isiolo, Mombasa, Malindi, Kilifi, Voi, and parts of Embu County. Earlier in the year, Sh4.1 million and Sh3.8 million were spent on separate February trips in coastal and eastern regions, with payments settled months later in September.
Additional expenditures ranged between Sh3 million and Sh3.45 million for travel across various counties, including Narok, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Uasin Gishu, reflecting a consistent pattern of high-cost usage over several months.
Dr Amollo also questioned why the Deputy President did not opt for commercial flights, such as those offered by Kenya Airways, instead of relying heavily on helicopters.
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