National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified that government negotiations with companies follow a structured process and cannot be publicly discussed before they officially begin.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the CS emphasised that financial transactions, especially those involving capital markets, are highly sensitive, and premature disclosure to the public could jeopardise both negotiations and market stability.
This comes amid accusations from several opposition leaders, including United Opposition principals Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka as well as former Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, Ndindi Nyoro.
Kalonzo had earlier claimed that Kenya was now witnessing efforts to dispose of critical national assets, such as JKIA and Kenya Pipeline, without transparency or public participation.
Govt Transactions
Mbadi explained that the process involves four key stages. The first is Proposal Initiation, where the government defines its intended actions and initiates the proposal.
Next is the Oversight Stage, in which the National Assembly reviews and approves the proposal.
The third stage is the Execution Stage, during which the government proceeds with the agreed financial transaction. The process concludes with the receiving, proceedings and reporting stage.
“Financial transactions are very sensitive, and capital markets are extremely delicate, you have to be cautious,” Mbadi noted.
He clarified that public communication only occurs after an official offer has been received and Cabinet approval has been secured.
At that point, the National Assembly advertises for public engagement. This is when public participation officially begins, and the CS is called to respond to questions from Kenyans, and aired live through the National Assembly.
The CS then added that the National Assembly has an opportunity to approve or reject the transaction. If rejected, the process ends.
If the National Assembly approves, the transaction proceeds, the government receives the necessary approval, and the conclusions are finalised. The funds are then received, and full reporting is submitted to the oversight bodies.
He then noted that a detailed report is submitted to the National Assembly, the Auditor General, the Controller of Budget, and the Commission on Revenue, as required by law.
