The National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi (centre) with youths during a public engagement process on the Budget and the Finance Bill 2026 at Asyana Gardens in Rongai, Kajiado county on May 14, 2026.
There is a glaring omission in the ongoing conversation: Expenditure accountability.
The domestic borrowing strategy also carries serious economic consequences.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is arguably the most prominent minister in Kenya right now, and for good reason. It is that season again, Finance Bill season, and the air is thick with debate, anxiety and public scrutiny.
For context, the Finance Bill is the legal instrument through which the government seeks parliamentary and public sanction for its revenue mobilisation strategy. This year’s ambition is considerable. A national budget of Sh4.9 trillion, accompanied by a significant financing gap that will require domestic borrowing of approximately Sh0.9 trillion to bridge.
