Mbadi says Finance Bill 2024 protests led to more inclusive 2025 budget planning process – People Daily

Kenya’s 2025/26 budget planning process has been described by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi as significantly more inclusive and consultative, a response to the widespread public backlash the country faced over the Finance Bill 2024. In an interview on May 23, 2025, Mbadi credited last year’s protests with forcing the government to rethink how it engages citizens and other stakeholders in the budget-making process.
Mbadi explained that one of the principal grievances during the Finance Bill protests was the perceived lack of transparency and public participation in how the bill and the budget were prepared. He said the Treasury responded by launching extensive engagement efforts, including sectoral meetings, town-halls, digital forums, and walk-in sessions. For example, Mbadi personally led public dialogues in Nairobi and Mombasa, and convened youth groups, professional associations and industry stakeholders such as the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, the petroleum and banking sectors.
The more inclusive approach shows promise for how Kenya handles fiscal policy amid strong public sensitivity to tax hikes and governance concerns. Observers note that the 2024 protests—notably by Gen Z and younger citizens—put the government on notice that aggressive tax-raising without ground support is politically risky.
Looking ahead, analysts say that while engagement is positive, the true test will be whether this openness translates into better accountability, fewer controversial tax measures, and a budget that addresses citizen priorities. If the shift holds, this could signal a meaningful change in how Kenya builds and presents its national budget.