Government introduces new digital system to track foreign travel by state officers

The government has introduced a new digital system requiring all state officers, including Cabinet Secretaries, to seek approval for foreign travel.

The Foreign Travel Management Information System (FoTMIS) is designed to track, process, and approve foreign travel for Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and other senior government officials.

This follows a directive issued nearly a year ago by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, which suspended all non-essential travel for government officials and limited the size of delegations on foreign trips.

During the launch of the system on Monday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the system aligns with President William Ruto’s broader strategy to reduce public expenditure and address financial mismanagement concerns.

“With this system, we will be more prudent and will rationalise those who are authorised to travel on official duty, ensuring the justification of public funds used during such trips," Gachagua said.

Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo said the system can monitor travel by every public service officer, offering insights into the frequency, purpose, and cost of trips, thereby assessing their impact on government operations.

The government also launched the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS), in conjunction with FoTMIS, to track and report on the implementation of presidential directives.

Transparency and accountability

Gachagua noted that these systems would not only improve efficiency in the public sector but also increase transparency, accountability, and trust in the government.

“The administration has set forth an ambitious objective aimed at catalyzing transformation and inclusive growth in the digital superhighway,” Gachagua said, adding that Sh16.3 billion has been allocated for the digital sector in the Financial Year 2024/2025.

He emphasised the need for sustainable foreign travel that builds global networks and partnerships, without wasting public funds. He also noted that FoTMIS would streamline the approval process for foreign trips, ensuring they align with government austerity measures and priorities.

“This system will support the implementation of the government austerity measures, increase efficiency and transparency of all the processes, which all goes to restore trust and accountability that the Kenyan people demand,” Gachagua highlighted.

President Ruto has taken steps to cut down on the administration’s spending by limiting both the duration and size of delegations for foreign travel.

In a memo dated July 29, 2023, Koskei set new travel restrictions, capping overseas trips at 45 days per year with a maximum of seven days per trip. Delegations are restricted to four members for Cabinet Secretaries and three for other officials.

Under the new guidelines, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries, and CEOs of state corporations are allowed to travel only for policy-related events, with a limit of 15 days per quarter.

Additionally, personal assistants and security personnel are barred from accompanying them, and only the most relevant technical staff are permitted to join these trips.