All eyes are locked on Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi as he prepares to drop what’s being billed as the most explosive budget in Kenya’s history. With just hours to go, anticipation is reaching fever pitch — and so are the stakes.
A Whopping Sh4.2 Trillion Bombshell
At precisely 2:30 PM today, Mbadi will step onto the House floor to unveil his first-ever national budget — an eye-popping Sh4.2 trillion plan that is already sparking heated debates across the country. This isn’t just a budget — it’s the biggest financial plan ever seen in Kenya’s history.
Despite resembling last year’s figures, Kenyans are cautiously hopeful. Citizens are pleading for a “people-first” approach — a budget that reflects the hardships on the ground and brings tangible relief to struggling households.
Kenyans Demand Real Change — Not Empty Promises
In an exclusive with The Standard, ordinary Kenyans didn’t hold back. From fuel to food, they’re calling for serious tax cuts and direct interventions that touch their daily lives.
“I want to see VAT slashed on fuel and basic goods. These taxes are suffocating us, especially those of us in the matatu business,” one frustrated driver exclaimed.
A single mother from Kisumu added, “I’m drowning. Prices are insane. If schools don’t get capitation funds on time, how are we supposed to keep our kids in class?”
Where’s the Money Going? The Shocking Breakdown
According to documents tabled in Parliament last month, the lion’s share of this budget — a staggering Sh1.7 trillion — will go toward recurrent expenditure. Development projects? Just Sh707 billion.
Education will swallow up a massive chunk of the Sh701 billion earmarked for development, including:
- Sh7.9B for primary learners
- Sh30.9B for junior secondary
- Sh54.8B for free day schooling
- Sh3B for school meals
Meanwhile, healthcare — already on life support due to constant doctor strikes — will receive Sh132 billion. This includes Sh4B for intern doctors and Sh1.7B to settle unpaid salaries. Will it be enough to end the chaos?
Agriculture, the lifeblood of 22% of Kenya’s GDP, is only seeing a slight bump to Sh58.5B — a rise of just Sh1B compared to last year.
Social safety nets, including programs for the elderly, orphans, and the disabled, will receive Sh43B.
But perhaps most shocking of all: the Executive will control Sh2.4 trillion out of the total Sh2.5 trillion set aside for National Government operations. Parliament? Left with a measly Sh49B.
“We Demand Food Security!” – Kenyans Raise the Alarm
Taabu Charles, chair of Bunge La Wazalendo, made it plain: “We are watching agriculture. If it’s underfunded again, forget food security.”
Mbadi’s Bold Vision – But Will It Deliver?
Mbadi claims this budget will be “zero-based,” meaning every shilling spent must be justified. In an interview with Citizen TV, he vowed to be remembered not just for the numbers, but for fighting corruption, managing debt, and defending Kenya’s fragile economy.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also sounded the alarm — promising a brutal crackdown on tax evasion to plug loopholes. “We’re not raising taxes — but we are coming for those dodging them,” he declared in Kitui South.
Still, Many Are Skeptical
Despite the promises, the people remain wary.
“This budget is massive,” said Taabu, “but does it really touch the common mwananchi? Or is it just another political show that favors the powerful?”
With the entire nation holding its breath, one thing is clear: today’s budget reading could define not just Mbadi’s legacy — but the future of millions of Kenyans.
