NAIROBI — A senior Kenyan lawmaker has hit out at the newly proposed 2025/26 national budget, calling it a political tool designed to help President William Ruto win a second term.
Makali Mulu, Member of Parliament for Kitui Central, said the budget has overlooked vital sectors like health and education in favour of government operations that, in his view, have little direct benefit for ordinary Kenyans.
“This is more of a political budget,” Mulu told Citizen TV on Wednesday morning. “Most of the programmes seem designed to push the Executive’s agenda and boost its chances of re-election.”
The National Treasury has proposed to spend Ksh. 2.54 trillion on national government functions, while the education sector receives Ksh. 700.9 billion — a figure critics say falls short amid growing demands for quality learning.
Even more controversially, Ksh. 150 million has been earmarked for a system to monitor social media activity — a move some view as unnecessary while public services struggle.
“If you ask me,” Mulu said, “money that truly benefits the mwananchi should go towards education, health, and boosting the private sector. That’s how you grow an economy and create jobs.”
Squeezing the Basics
Under the current proposal, some of the hardest-hit sectors are those directly tied to Kenyans’ day-to-day lives:
- University education faces a cut of Ksh. 920 million.
- Primary education drops by Ksh. 405 million.
- Secondary and junior secondary capitation loses a combined Ksh. 5 billion.
- The Teachers Service Commission will see a reduction of Ksh. 570 million, and
- The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya is set to be defunded by Ksh. 400 million.
Mulu argued the cuts are unjustified, especially given rising school fees, strikes, and understaffed hospitals.
“We’re talking about capitation being cut while classrooms are overcrowded and students are dropping out,” he said. “This isn’t a budget for the people.”
A Fat Budget for State Offices
While key services tighten their belts, State House is poised to operate with Ksh. 11 billion — a figure Mulu compared directly to funding needed for healthcare reform.
“We need Ksh. 8 billion to fully absorb staff for Universal Health Coverage,” he said. “We’ve only allocated Ksh. 4 billion. Meanwhile, the Executive enjoys a much fatter purse.”
The police are also set to receive more cash, with Ksh. 1.8 billion in additional recurrent spending. The Inspector General’s office alone would get an extra Ksh. 800 million, and the Deputy IG (Administrative Police) Ksh. 60 million more.
The Bigger Picture
The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee tabled the final estimates after weeks of consultations with government ministries. Next, Parliament will debate the report.
If approved, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is expected to deliver the final budget speech later this month.
Observers say this budget — like most in an election cycle — reflects political priorities more than social need.
Mulu’s final words were blunt:
“The people elected us to protect their interests, not to campaign with public money.”
Whether Parliament listens remains to be seen.
