Kenya's 2025/26 Budget: Key Highlights and Public Concerns

Kenya's 2025/26 Budget: Key Highlights from Town Hall Meetings Kenya recently held town hall meetings to discuss the Finance Bill 2025/26. These meetings focused on public participation in budget decisions. A video circulating online summarizes key points from these discussions, featuring statements by John Mbadi, a prominent figure in the process. One key highlight was the significant increase in funding for primary healthcare, nearly doubling the previous budget. Mbadi stated, "We have nearly doubled the budget for primary health care—from 7.1 billion to 13.1 billion." This increase is expected to improve access to treatment and services. Another point of discussion was the examination fee structure. Mbadi explained, "We will pay for the examination fee if that's what Kenyans want, but we have to restructure this examination fee." This indicates a willingness to address public concerns regarding education costs. The video also touched on tax collection strategies, with Mbadi noting that the government is focused on collecting more tax without overburdening citizens. He emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services while managing the national debt. While the video offers a quick overview, independent verification of the claims made is recommended. The emphasis on public participation in budget decisions is a positive step towards greater transparency and accountability in government spending.