Kenya’s cash-strapped government splurges on parties, cars and curtains

Expensive curtains, lavish garden parties and jet-setting lifestyles: Kenya’s cash-strapped government has been on a spending spree even as austerity measures take their toll on weary citizens.

Expensive curtains, lavish garden parties and jet-setting lifestyles: Kenya's cash-strapped government has been on a spending spree even as austerity measures take their toll on weary citizens.

A report released by the country's auditor general last month said the office of the deputy president spent 10.2 million shillings ($70,000) on curtains while splashing out on furniture to the tune of some $50,000.

The purchases, which were "in breach of the law" for flouting procurement rules, according to the report, have struck a nerve with an angry public.

"They have squeezed my finances to the limit as they drink and dine," Kenyan teacher Moses Bett said in the capital Nairobi.

The East African powerhouse - where corruption is a hot-button issue - raised taxes to shore up revenue for government debt repayments even as many citizens were already struggling with the high prices of basic commodities.

"I am living on negatives," Mr. Bett said, patting the front pockets of his charcoal grey trousers.

"Every day is becoming more difficult to fend for my family with what is left of my salary," the 32-year-old father of two said.