NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza administration has resorted to a participatory approach in the Financial Year 2025-2026 budget-making process.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced the move during the launch of the Financial Year 2025/26 Budget Preparation Process.
“A participatory approach to the budget-making process will help address challenges like the recent Finance Bill protests,” said CS Mbadi.
Mbadi, among the politicians who crossed the opposition to join the executive forming the broad-based government, emphasised the importance of including all Kenyans in vital economic decisions for a stable future.
It appeared at first like the typical complaints on social networking sites. Gen Z quickly mobilised in opposition to the divisive Finance Bill 2024/2025.
How President William Ruto succumbed to Gen-Z pressure
President Ruto gave in to pressure from Gen Z and refused to approve the bill before the country’s riots subsided.
The head of state was defeated by Gen Z, who declared in a live speech that:
“I will decline to assent to the Bill, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024.”
Like most Kenyans, the president misjudged the effect of Generation Z, who took inspiration from several social media stars.
The Gen Z revolution, which took the nation by storm and left the Kenya Kwanza administration split between Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, appears to be pulling in various directions.
No amount of intimidation, arrests, or kidnappings of influential people could stop it.
Influencers from various backgrounds rallied young people to oppose the law through public demonstrations that culminated in a storming of Parliament, forcing Members of Parliament to escape for their lives.
How CS John Mbadi seeks to address opulence among leaders
Regrettably, the Gen Z revolt resulted in fatalities, destruction, and carnage.
Meanwhile, due to the impact of the protests that also stemmed from the opulence of Kenyan politicians, CS Mbadi directed all accounting officers to cut spending on hospitality, conferences, and travel as part of cost-cutting measures.
“No additional expenses in these areas will be allowed,” he stated, highlighting the importance of saving taxpayer money.
The CS observed that to cushion Kenyans, the Treasury plans to reduce VAT from 16 pc to 14 pc, cut corporate tax from 30 pc to 25 pc, and introduce PAYE reductions.
These reforms aim to relieve businesses and citizens as part of broader fiscal adjustments.
CS Mbadi also announced that the government will soon adopt an end-to-end e-procurement system, enhancing transparency and accountability in procurement processes while maximising value for taxpayer money.
