MIGORI — National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has warned that ongoing protests marked by violence and destruction are hurting Kenya’s appeal to international investors. Speaking at a fundraiser in Suna West, Migori County, CS Mbadi criticized what he described as growing lawlessness among youth demonstrators.
CS Mbadi said the government’s efforts to attract foreign capital are being undermined by scenes of looting and damage to property. “We cannot be going abroad looking for investment while at home businesses are being destroyed by the same people we claim to be fighting for,” Mbadi said.
CS Mbadi urged young people to express their concerns peacefully and avoid actions that damage the country’s economic prospects. According to Mbadi, the demonstrations have strayed from constitutional expression into activities that deter business and public trust.
CS Mbadi also defended the government’s economic track record, revealing that the Treasury disbursed Ksh 415 billion to county governments in the 2024/25 fiscal year. He noted the allocation included pending arrears from the previous year, a move Mbadi said shows the government’s commitment to supporting devolution.
The Cabinet Secretary further confirmed that all National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) payments for the financial year were completed, citing a 94 percent success rate in budget utilization.
To support wage adjustments, CS Mbadi said he initiated the release of Ksh 8 billion for teachers’ salary increments, emphasizing that critics accusing the government of inaction are “deliberately ignoring the facts.”
On healthcare, he said more funding will be directed to the Social Health Authority to improve service delivery and strengthen the health workforce. “Our actions reflect a government committed to progress,” he stated. “But we must protect the image of the country to make that progress sustainable.”
Mbadi comments come as the country grapples with a wave of anti-government protests, driven largely by economic frustrations and opposition to recent tax hikes. Business owners in key urban centers have reported losses, with some areas experiencing looting and disruption of services.
While CS Mbadi acknowledged citizens’ right to demonstrate, he called for dialogue and peaceful advocacy as the best path toward lasting solutions.
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