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Opposition’s alternative budget ideas workable
As a critical government-in-waiting, the opposition is expected not only to find fault and highlight the shortcomings in the incumbent administration, but also to demonstrate its own commitment to the country by offering useful alternative ideas for national development and prosperity.
The coalition dubbed United Alternative Government has rejected the proposed Sh4.8 trillion national Budget. Instead, it has unveiled what it terms the ‘People’s Budget’ of Sh4.3 trillion designed to ease the burden on taxpayers.
It has, therefore, urged Parliament to shoot down both the 2026 Finance Bill and the national Budget. The alternative budget shifts funds from debts and levies with higher funding for schools, hospitals and the creation of jobs for youth.
The opposition has accused the government of deepening an economic crisis marked by its rising debt, heavy taxation, underfunded services and growing public frustration. The opposition sees the government as favouring debt repayment and bureaucracy over citizens’ needs.
It wants the education funding raised from Sh668.3 billion to Sh737.3 billion to fully finance the Free Primary Education. The coalition has denounced the Social Health Authority as uncertain and costly for patients.
The opposition also wants the housing and fuel levies scrapped in what they consider a blueprint to lower taxes, expand social spending and reduce borrowing. The opposition is urging allied MPs to reject taxation measures in the Finance Bill 2026, such as the proposed 16 per cent VAT on mobile money transactions.
The alternative budget caps domestic borrowing at Sh500 billion compared to the government's Sh995 billion, targeting to relieve pressure on local credit markets. Its other proposals include cutting the huge budgets for State House and the National Intelligence Service.
Some of these proposals are useful options that the government should consider in a bid to reduce the crippling public debt and curb the wanton wasteful spending.
