The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, is set to deliver the 2025/2026 National Budget before the National Assembly today, Thursday, June 12.
This marks Mbadi’s first-ever Budget reading since his appointment, with the national budget projected at Ksh4.23 trillion. During his address, Mbadi is expected to outline how the government intends to generate revenue and how it plans to spend it over the next financial year.
In the weeks leading up to this big day, CS Mbadi repeatedly expressed both his confidence and determination to tackle the complex challenge of managing Kenya’s high public debt, increasing government spending, and rising demand for public services.
At the same time, he acknowledged Kenyans’ growing frustration over high taxes and promised to find a fair balance.
The Treasury emphasized that the key priorities of this year’s budget are reviving the economy in a sustainable way, improving people’s living standards, creating employment opportunities, and supporting businesses and industrial growth.
As events unfold, Kenyans.co.ke brings you live updates on the Budget presentation and the nationwide protests. Refresh this page regularly for new developments.
Live Updates
2:15 PM
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has acknowledged the protests taking place in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). He stated that citizens have a right to demonstrate peacefully.
Meanwhile, similar protests have erupted in Homa Bay, the hometown of the late Albert Ojwang, whose death has sparked public outrage.
1:55 PM
Protesters have now gathered outside the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) building. Emotions are running high as demonstrations over Albert Ojwang’s killing continue to gain momentum.
1:42 PM
CS John Mbadi has officially arrived in Parliament, carrying the traditional Budget briefcase. The protests continue just outside the city center. A large number of police officers have been deployed across the area to control the crowds and maintain order.
1:36 PM
CS Mbadi, escorted by a ceremonial band, is seen walking from the Treasury offices on Harambee Avenue towards Parliament Road. This is the formal budget day procession that symbolizes the significance of the Budget presentation.
1:30 PM
Mbadi pauses for his first official photo with the iconic Budget briefcase, even as protests in the CBD escalate. Police are actively dispersing demonstrators using tear gas to manage the growing crowds.
1:20 PM
Demonstrators continue to fill the streets, now calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat. The situation remains tense as more tear gas is deployed by the police. The countdown to the Budget speech continues amid heightened security.
12:29 PM
The number of protestors in the CBD is increasing. Groups are marching past City Hall, Jevanjee Gardens, Parliament Buildings, and along Harambee Avenue.
They are demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, carrying placards with strong messages aimed at the government. Protesters are seen waving twigs, whistling, and chanting slogans. Riot police are using tear gas to break up the crowds.
11:36 AM
Kenyans have started gathering in the CBD early in the day, seeking justice for the slain youth, Albert Ojwang. There are growing concerns that the protests may interfere with or disrupt the smooth delivery of the Budget speech by CS Mbadi.
9:10 AM
CS Mbadi arrived at the National Treasury headquarters on Harambee Avenue to meet with top Treasury officials before heading to Parliament. This meeting was aimed at making final preparations for the presentation of the 2025/2026 Budget.
8:29 AM
While addressing the media earlier today, Mbadi confidently defended the record-high Ksh4.23 trillion Budget, stressing that it was not overly ambitious. He explained that significant funding had been allocated to key sectors that directly impact ordinary Kenyans—namely education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation.
7:53 AM
Reflecting on last year’s chaotic budget season that saw widespread anti-Finance Bill protests, CS Mbadi said that this time, the government made deliberate efforts to involve young people (Gen Z), business owners, and even people in rural areas in the budget-making process.
He emphasized that public feedback played an important role in shaping the 2025/2026 Budget.
7:50 AM
CS John Mbadi departed from his Karen residence earlier this morning, making his way to Parliament. He described today as his “date with Kenyans,” expressing hope that the budget he is about to present will help address key national concerns and bring about positive change in people’s lives.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day as we continue to cover both the Budget reading and the unfolding protests.
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