Parliament secures Sh48 billion in 2025-26 budget allocation

National Treasury CS John Mbadi (C) with Budget Committee chairman Kimani Kuria (L) and chairman of the Budget Appropriatioin Committee Samuel Atandi outside Parliament ahead of the Budget presentation, June 12, 2025. /ENOS TECHE

In a continued show of support for legislative oversight and governance, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has allocated Sh48.0 billion to Parliament for the 2025–2026 financial year.

The announcement, made during his budget statement to the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, underscores the government’s commitment to reinforcing the institutional capacity of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

While the CS did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be split between the two Houses, the lump sum figure marks a continuation of increased support for legislative functions, reflecting a three-year trend of incremental boosts to the bicameral legislature.

In the 2024–25 financial year, Parliament received Sh44.6 billion — a Sh4.4 billion rise from the Sh40.4 billion allocated in 2023–24.

This year’s allocation marks an additional Sh3.4 billion increase, bringing the total rise over the three-year period to Sh7.6 billion.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Mbadi positioned the Sh48 billion provision as part of a broader push aimed at strengthening Parliament’s core mandates: lawmaking, representation, and oversight.

Delivering the budget under the theme “Stimulating Sustainable Economic Recovery”, Mbadi framed the allocation as a strategic investment in democracy.

“To enhance the oversight and legislative role of Parliament, I propose an allocation of Sh48.0 billion for Parliament,” he told lawmakers in a speech laced with emphasis on fiscal discipline and institutional reform amidst mounting public scrutiny over governance and accountability.

The increase, though moderate, is notable given the country’s current fiscal constraints, mounting public debt, and ongoing pressure to cut government spending.

Parliament, often criticised for inefficiency and extravagance, will now be under greater public scrutiny to demonstrate value for money and tangible returns on the enhanced allocation.

The Judiciary also received a substantial allocation of Sh27.8 billion, bringing the total funding to Kenya’s governance arms to Sh75.8 billion for the upcoming financial year.

This reinforces the Kenya Kwanza administration’s dual investment in both justice and legislative institutions as pillars of accountability and service delivery.

Focus now shifts to Parliament -  all eyes will be on MPs, not just for how they debate national priorities, but how effectively they utilise thjeir resources.

With each additional shilling comes a heightened expectation for performance, transparency, and reform.

Kenyans will expect nothing short of fiscal discipline and legislative excellence.