The Kenyan government on Monday launched the Foreign Travel Travel Management Information System (FoTMIS), in a bid to tighten its grip on foreign travel.
The system tracks, monitors, reports, and secures approval of foreign travel by all public servants. FoTMIS is part of the government’s efforts to increase efficiency, accountability, and efficiency with the government.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the system, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua noted that “foreign travel is one of the big line items in our budget which consumes a significant amount of financial resources. Whereas it remains important for building networks, learning, building partnerships, and allowing a shift in our mindset from thinking Kenya only to thinking globally it must be done sustainability and void of abuse.”
The DP further noted the launch of FotMIS is truly necessary because it enhances the efficiency and ease of application, processing, and approval of travel processes. According to a circular posted by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service on July 26th July 2024, the applications and processing for all foreign travel clearances will be done to the system.
FotMIS was commissioned alongside the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS), a digital portal that facilitates communication of presidential directives. The system also eliminates the distribution of directives via hard copies. It allows ministries and state departments to download copies of directives via the portal.
The development highlights the government’s commitment to cut its spending. In July, President Ruto proposed sweeping spending cuts following the youth-led demonstrations in the country and the subsequent withdrawal of the finance bill.
