NAIROBI, Kenya- Security was significantly heightened in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Thursday as Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi prepared to present the 2026/27 national budget in Parliament.
Armed police officers, mounted units, patrol vehicles and security personnel were deployed around key government installations, including the National Treasury Building, Parliament Road and surrounding areas, ahead of the budget presentation.
The heightened security comes as Mbadi is set to unveil the government’s spending plan for the financial year beginning July 1. The National Treasury has proposed a budget estimated at approximately Sh4.82 trillion, making it one of the largest spending plans in Kenya’s history.
The budget statement is scheduled to be tabled before the National Assembly at 3 p.m., marking a key milestone in Kenya’s fiscal calendar. The presentation will outline government spending priorities, revenue projections and borrowing plans for the 2026/27 financial year.
Photos from the city centre showed a visible police presence around Parliament Buildings and the Treasury headquarters as authorities sought to ensure the smooth running of the annual exercise.
The security deployment comes against the backdrop of increased vigilance around major national events, particularly budget readings, which often attract public attention due to proposed tax measures and government spending decisions.
On Wednesday, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said final preparations for the budget presentation had been completed, noting that the budget would focus on economic transformation, job creation, business support and improving livelihoods.
Parliament is expected to begin scrutiny of the budget immediately after the presentation, with lawmakers set to debate expenditure allocations and revenue measures before the start of the new financial year.
The budget presentation is one of the most significant events in Kenya’s economic calendar, as it sets out how public resources will be allocated across sectors including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and security.
