National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the performance of the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the government has delivered key development projects.
He said the government has maintained economic stability despite facing unprecedented global and domestic challenges.
Speaking during the launch of Asumbi Women Empowerment programme in Rangwe, Homa Bay County, Mbadi said the government inherited a difficult economic environment and has had to navigate multiple crises over the past four years.
The Treasury CS noted that when the administration took office, Kenya was among six African countries that had been identified as being at high risk of defaulting on their loans.
He said five of those countries have since defaulted, while Kenya has managed to remain financially stable.
“I want to be honest about our government, which has been in office for about four years now-two years before we joined and nearly two years since. Despite fast-moving propaganda, the truth is clear to anyone looking back objectively; this administration has consistently delivered services under incredibly difficult circumstances,” Mbadi said.
He pointed to a series of global and local challenges that have tested the government's resilience, including the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, prolonged drought, post-election unrest and recent conflicts in the Middle East.
“We took office during a time of immense global uncertainty, facing a real threat of loan default where we were grouped among six African nations at high risk. Five have since defaulted, leaving Kenya as the only one standing,” he said.
According to Mbadi, no previous Kenyan administration has
faced such a combination of crises within a short period.
He argued that despite the difficulties, the government has remained focused on service delivery and implementation of development projects across the country.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted infrastructure development as one of the key achievements of the administration, saying stalled road projects have been revived and completed in various parts of the country. He added that the government has also invested heavily in market infrastructure to boost trade and improve livelihoods.
“In Homa Bay alone, we have constructed 18 new markets. These are facilities that are creating opportunities for traders, farmers and small businesses while improving local economies,” he said.
Mbadi also cited progress in the Affordable Housing
Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the
country's housing deficit while creating jobs for thousands of young people.
He further praised the government's investment in the blue economy, saying the sector has significant potential to create employment and increase incomes for communities living around Lake Victoria and along the coastal region.
The Treasury CS urged Kenyans to assess the government's performance based on facts and tangible development outcomes rather than political rhetoric.
