Kenyans have the chance to influence how the 2025/26 national budget will look, thanks to a recent initiative by the National Treasury.
The National Treasury issued a public appeal to Kenyans, urging them to participate in the shaping of the upcoming budget by sending specific and general suggestions to the docket.
Through a public notice, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning John Mbadi revealed he would present the budget statement to parliament on June 12, 2025.
This gives Kenyans a little over three weeks to contribute ideas and proposals which reflect their economic realities and priorities.
"While finalising the Statement, the Cabinet Secretary would appreciate contributions and ideas on economic policy and tax measures from Kenyans for the FY 2025/26 Budget. Your input should be centred on the several broad areas," the Treasury's notice read.
Among the areas the Treasury admitted needed help with are coming up with measures to support sustainable economic recovery and enhance macroeconomic stability and resilience, as well as improve livelihoods.
The government is also intent on learning from Kenyans on some of the measures it can apply to reduce the cost of living, eradicate hunger, create employment, expand the tax base and promote inclusive growth.
Still on the issue of employment, the Treasury also requested Interventions to enhance opportunities for youth and women in entrepreneurship, employment, and economic leadership.
Thirdly, the treasury is also looking to Kenyans to help brainstorm strategies to promote fiscal discipline and responsible management of public finances.
Kenyans from all walks of life have been invited to send their contributions, with the Treasury emphasising that every idea counts. Interested parties are urged to send their suggestions to budgetstatement@treasury.go.ke, with a copy to budgetstatement@gmail.com.
Since the outrage and subsequent protests that emerged from the 2024 Finance Bill, the government has been extremely cautious on matters which directly impact the ordinary citizens' pockets. One of the biggest resolutions the Treasury has undertaken in recent times is to make Kenyans familiar with the country's current fiscal standing to give perspective on why and how some decisions are made.
As recently as Friday, May 16, Mbadi engaged with Kenyans.co.ke and other media houses to answer some pressing questions during a Youth Parliament Town Hall in Nairobi.
One of the issues he addressed was whether there would be job losses following the government's decision to merge and dissolve several state corporations.
The Treasury CS made it clear that the mergers, the dissolutions, and the reassignments would commence from the next financial year, 2025/2026, which kicks off on July 1 this year.
