Kenyans are shifting their attention to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi as he presents the 2026/2027 national budget in parliament on June 11, 2026, unveiling a record Sh4.84 trillion spending plan.
The budget is one of the most anticipated policy statements of the year since it comes at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with the high cost of living, unemployment and rising prices of basic commodities.
According to Treasury projections, the government expects to raise Sh3.67 trillion in revenue, comprising Sh2.9 trillion in ordinary revenue collections, Sh644 billion in Appropriations in Aid and Sh44 billion in grants.
However, the spending plan will leave a budget deficit of approximately Sh1.2 trillion, which the government intends to finance through a combination of domestic and external borrowing.
At the same time, the government also plans to address pending bills estimated at Sh83 billion in a move aimed at improving liquidity in the market and boosting business activity.
Generally, the budget focuses on critical sectors such as education, infrastructure and economic empowerment programmes.
In addition, the government is hoping the budget allocations will accelerate the Bottom Up Economic Agenda and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The budget presentation coincides with similar fiscal announcements in neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania, where governments are expected to outline strategies for shielding their economies from global economic uncertainties.
Kenya has the largest national budget in East Africa, with Treasury CS John Mbadi set to unveil a KSh 4.8 trillion spending plan for FY2026/27 as compared to Uganda’s UGX 72.4 trillion (about KSh 2.6 trillion) and Tanzania’s TSh 68.48 trillion (about KSh 2.8 trillion).
On the other hand, Kenya’s opposition leaders have unveiled what they call the “People’s Budget,” offering an alternative vision for the country’s economic future.
The opposition framework proposes a Sh4.32 trillion expenditure plan that seeks to reduce the fiscal deficit to Sh593.5 billion, equivalent to 2.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, slightly lower than the government’s projected 5.3 per cent.
Speaking during the launch of the proposal, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticised the country’s growing debt burden, describing it as “generational slavery” that would force future generations to repay loans they did not participate in acquiring.
