In a significant move to boost transparency and accountability, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FTMIS) and the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on September 2. These digital solutions are designed to streamline the clearance process for government officials traveling abroad.

Deputy President Gachagua stated, “We are happy with this travel management system, it will make executives prudent in the use of resources.” He acknowledged the financial strain foreign travel imposes on the national budget and pointed out the previous lack of oversight, where numerous top executives left offices deserted during their trips.

The new FTMIS will automate travel clearances, ensuring that only authorized personnel can embark on official journeys, thus justifying the use of public funds. Gachagua added, “The system will rationalize those who are authorized to travel out of the country on official business.”

Meanwhile, with the PDMIS in place, all presidential directives will now be dispatched digitally, eliminating hard copies and improving efficiency in their implementation. Ministries will be required to download scanned directives via their portals.

Recent reports revealed that Nairobi County spent over Ksh.658 million on foreign travel in just nine months, highlighting the critical need for tighter regulations in government spending. Gachagua emphasized, “We are committed to ensuring that all public directives are audited and implemented to the satisfaction of the people of Kenya.”