State Department for Foreign Affairs Faces Budget Deficit of Sh12.41B-Report

A report by the departmental committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has revealed that the State Department of Foreign Affairs is facing a budget deficit of Sh12.41 billion.

“A total of Sh723 million is needed to cater for postings of officers to Kenyan missions, recruitment of cadets and drivers, promotions and education supplement,” the report said.

The report further states that money is required for retired ambassadors awaiting recall, despite most departmental activities being underfunded.

The report further said Sh300 million was allocated for operationalization/establishment of new missions against a requirement of Sh2.02 billion, resulting in a deficit of Sh1.722 billion.

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“The ministry acting on Cabinet instruction has opened new missions in: Maputo, Jakarta, Arusha, Hargeisa, and Goma in 2021-22 Financial Year. The ministry requires Sh1.725 billion to fully operationalize these missions and four missions that were opened during 2019-20 Financial Year in Dakar, Bern, Djibouti, and Accra,” the report showed.

Ministry allocations include Sh76 million for service gratuity, Sh700 million for State visits, while it requires Sh122.7 million to cater for service gratuity and Sh2 billion for state visits.

“The Government owns 110 properties in Missions abroad which need constant maintenance, especially in countries with harsh weather conditions. Due to inadequate budgetary provision, most of the properties are dilapidated, forcing Missions to move to rental accommodations,” the report pointed out.