- Education, Health, and Infrastructure Still Receive Priority.
- Parliament plans to reduce borrowing in the Ksh 4.2 trillion 2025/26 budget.
- A total of Ksh 1.34 trillion will be used to pay off public debt.
- Education gets the largest slice at Ksh 701.1 billion.
- Ksh 707.8 billion is set aside for development projects.
- Counties to receive Ksh 405.1 billion as equitable share.
Members of Parliament have proposed key changes to the country’s spending plan in a move aimed at cutting down on heavy borrowing and steering the economy toward sustainability. The changes are part of the revised 2025/26 national budget, estimated at Ksh 4.2 trillion, slightly less than last year’s figure.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee presented the revised figures in the National Assembly on Wednesday, showing a clear intent to manage debt while still supporting essential sectors. The Treasury will now focus on using available funds wisely, especially in areas that drive development and public welfare.
Focus Shifts to Development and Debt Repayment
Starting July 1, 2025, government operations will be supported by Ksh 1.8 trillion set aside for regular expenses like staff salaries and services. Meanwhile, Ksh 707.8 billion has been reserved for major development efforts, which include infrastructure projects and long-term public investments.
To address the rising public debt, MPs have directed Ksh 1.34 trillion toward repayments. Out of the total budget, the Executive will control Ksh 2.497 trillion, while Parliament will get Ksh 47.9 billion and the Judiciary Ksh 27.7 billion. County governments will share Ksh 405.1 billion from the national allocation.
Education and Key Services Take Centre Stage
Education will again receive the biggest share of government spending, with an allocation of Ksh 701.1 billion. This represents 28.1% of the total budget and shows the government’s continued commitment to learning and skills development.
The combined budget for energy, infrastructure, and ICT stands at Ksh 500.7 billion, while healthcare is set to receive Ksh 136.8 billion. In the agriculture sector, Ksh 78 billion has been earmarked, with Ksh 8 billion specifically going to the fertiliser subsidy program to support food production.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has been tasked with collecting Ksh 3.3 trillion through taxes and other sources to support this budget. MPs are expected to debate the proposals in the coming week before the official budget statement is read on Thursday.
