Why Treasury Cabinet Secretaries use VW Passat to Parliament for budget reading

For quite some time now, Kenyans have been fixated on a Volkswagen Passat that Treasury Cabinet Secretaries use when they roll up to Parliament to present the Budget. It’s like a recurring show, with the CS arriving in style in a car that stands out in a sea of massive fuel-guzzlers preferred by VIPs, like the Land Cruiser Prado and Lexus.

This past Thursday, as Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu made his grand entrance at Parliament for the 2024/2025 budget reading, Kenyans were once again treated to the sight of the trusty Volkswagen Passat. It’s become a bit of a tradition, with the CS making a dramatic entrance under heavy police escort.

But what’s the deal with this ceremonial grey Volkswagen Passat? How did it become the go-to ride for Treasury CSs, regardless of the regime in power?

Believe it or not, the VW Passat is actually a luxurious car that doesn’t come cheap. The story goes back to the days of Mwai Kibaki when Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta introduced it as a cost-effective option for VIPs. In 2009, Treasury splurged Ksh.499.5 million on 130 Passat vehicles for Cabinet ministers, with Uhuru defending the decision by highlighting their low maintenance costs and engine capacity.

Since then, the Volkswagen Passat has become the vehicle of choice for government officials, replacing the gas-guzzlers that were a nightmare to maintain. In a clever move, the government is sending a message to the public that they mean business when it comes to austerity measures by having Treasury CSs ride in the trusty Passat.

So, next time you see a Treasury CS arriving in a Volkswagen Passat, remember that it’s not just a car – it’s a symbol of fiscal responsibility and a nod to the days of yore when simplicity trumped extravagance.

The Volkswagen Passat, a renowned series of spacious family cars, has been skillfully crafted and promoted by the esteemed German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973.

Priced at approximately $27,295 (Ksh.3.8 million), the Passat Limited Edition boasts sleek 15-spoke, 18-inch wheels and eye-catching exterior accents that set it apart from the rest.

Inside, you’ll find a luxurious array of premium features, such as supple leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, cutting-edge built-in navigation, and a top-of-the-line Fender audio system. With the Passat Limited Edition, you’ll be cruising in style and comfort like never before.