CS Mbadi Invites Public to Shape 2025/26 Budget Amid Hopes for Inclusive Growth
Submissions open until May 26 as Treasury seeks citizen input on tax, youth jobs, and economic equity
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has officially invited Kenyans from all walks of life to submit ideas and proposals to inform the upcoming 2025/26 Budget Statement, which he is scheduled to present to Parliament on June 12, 2025.
This marks the first budget Mbadi will oversee since taking over the Treasury docket earlier this year. In what is expected to be a high-stakes statement, the CS faces the daunting task of balancing fiscal discipline, economic growth, and social equity at a time when public trust in the government’s financial policies remains fragile.
Call for Public Participation
In a notice released on Monday, the National Treasury urged citizens, civil society groups, and the private sector to contribute suggestions on economic policy, tax measures, and budgetary priorities that can fuel sustainable recovery and align with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“While finalising the statement, the Cabinet Secretary would appreciate contributions and ideas on economic policy and tax measures from Kenyans for the FY 2025/26 Budget,” read the Treasury’s statement.
The ministry emphasized the importance of inclusive policy-making, encouraging proposals that empower youth and women, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen the regulatory and financial infrastructure for businesses.
Focus Areas for Budget Input
The Treasury is especially interested in:
- Strategies to accelerate the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)
- Policies to support job creation, particularly for youth and women
- Proposals to enhance fiscal responsibility and public resource management
- Tax and regulatory reforms to boost private sector growth and attract investment
- Measures to address the rising cost of living and protect household incomes
Kenyans are urged to send their proposals to budgetstatement@treasury.go.ke, with a copy to budgetstatement@gmail.com before the deadline of May 26, 2025.
Public Reaction and Background
This renewed push for public input comes in the wake of last year’s backlash against the 2024 Finance Bill, which sparked nationwide protests over controversial tax proposals. The public outcry eventually forced the government to withdraw several of the most criticized measures.
Since then, the Ruto administration has adopted a more consultative and cautious approach in shaping fiscal policy—especially policies directly impacting the cost of living.
With this budget, Kenyans will be closely watching whether Mbadi can deliver a people-centered financial blueprint that reflects real public concerns while maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Why This Budget Matters
The 2025/26 national budget is expected to define the government’s trajectory on:
- Revenue generation vs. taxpayer burden
- Public spending priorities (healthcare, education, infrastructure)
- Social protection programs
- Debt management strategies
As Kenya continues to recover from economic shocks and rising inflation, many hope this budget will offer meaningful solutions rather than political promises.
Do you have a suggestion for Kenya’s 2025/26 Budget? Email your proposals to budgetstatement@treasury.go.ke, copy budgetstatement@gmail.com, before May 26, 2025.
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CS Mbadi Invites Public to Shape 2025/26 Budget Amid Hopes for Inclusive Growth