Mbadi marches to Parliament to present 2025/26 budget

Mbadi carried the iconic black budget briefcase, marked with the Kenyan coat of arms

by CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO

News12 June 2025 - 14:26

In Summary

In a departure from tradition, the two senior officials covered an estimated 100 metres on foot, rather than arriving by vehicle or official convoy as seen in previous years.
The symbolic gesture captured attention as they strode purposefully toward Parliament.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi walks to Parliament to present the 2025-2026 budget/EZEKIEL AMING'A

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Thursday, June 12, walked to Parliament to present the 2025/26 budget, accompanied by Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

In a departure from tradition, the two senior officials covered an estimated 100 metres on foot, rather than arriving by vehicle or official convoy as seen in previous years.

The symbolic gesture captured attention as they strode purposefully toward Parliament.

Both Mbadi and Kiptoo were dressed in matching navy blue customised suits, each paired with a crisp white shirt and a patterned blue tie.

A red flower was pinned neatly to the left lapel of their coats, adding a touch of ceremony and coordination to their appearance.

Mbadi carried the iconic black budget briefcase, marked with the Kenya coat of arms and the word Harambee, a time-honoured symbol of national fiscal planning.

There was also a presence of heavy security.

The moment unfolded with a blend of state protocol and personal symbolism, one that signals both confidence and a new tone in the country’s budget day traditions.

According to a public notice issued by the ministry, the budget statement will be delivered in Parliament starting at 3 pm on June 12, 2025.

This budget includes allocations for various sectors, with education and infrastructure taking a significant portion of the total budget.

The National Treasury had released the 2025/26 Budget Policy Statement, raising total budget estimates to Sh4.26 trillion from Sh3.98 trillion in the previous fiscal year.

Revenue is projected at Sh3.39 trillion, with ordinary revenue expected to hit Sh2.84 trillion, supported by ongoing tax reforms.

The government plans to spend Sh3.1 trillion on recurrent expenditure, Sh725.1 billion on development, and Sh436.7 billion in county transfers.

The proposed 2025/2026 financial year budget prioritises education, which will receive the largest share at Sh701 billion.

However, despite this allocation, it still falls short of actual needs in the education sector.