Nairobi — May 23, 2025
Kenya’s Treasury has opened its doors to the public, asking citizens to speak up and shape the country’s financial future. With just weeks to go before the 2025/26 national budget is tabled in Parliament, Kenyans are being urged to send in their ideas on how to tackle the country’s most pressing issues—from the rising cost of living to unemployment and economic recovery.
John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, made the appeal on Thursday, stressing the importance of public input in shaping government spending and tax policy.
“We are calling on Kenyans to share their contributions on measures that can support the economy and improve people’s lives,” Mr Mbadi said in an official statement.
The Treasury is working to finalise the budget statement ahead of its presentation on 12 June. According to Mr Mbadi, the public’s voice is crucial in helping the government focus on what matters most.
Seven areas have been outlined as top priorities for citizen suggestions: economic recovery, job creation, cutting the cost of living, widening the tax base, food security, inclusive growth, and boosting foreign exchange reserves.
Mr Mbadi also pointed to the need to speed up work on key national projects under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, or BETA.
“There is a need for strong financial and regulatory systems to support business recovery,” he added, noting that many small businesses are still struggling to stay afloat after recent economic shocks.
The government says it wants ideas that are both practical and people-focused—particularly those that can help young people and women earn a living. Transparency and accountability in the use of public funds were also listed as key concerns.
Kenyans have until 26 May to submit their proposals via email to [email protected], with a copy to [email protected].
This invitation comes at a time when many households are under pressure from high food and fuel prices. The economy has been slow to bounce back from recent global and local challenges, including drought, currency depreciation, and public debt.
By opening the floor to public voices, the Treasury hopes to draft a budget that doesn’t just balance the books—but helps rebuild lives.
