Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has warned that ongoing protests across the country are damaging Kenya’s image and hurting investor confidence. Speaking during a fundraiser in Suna West Constituency, Migori County, Mbadi expressed concern over the growing lawlessness associated with the protests, emphasizing that such actions are undermining the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment.
“We cannot be visiting foreign countries to champion for foreign investors to invest in the country while at the same time the youths are destroying businesses, looting, and engaging in acts of lawlessness,” Mbadi stated. He termed the recent protests as having deviated from democratic expression to undemocratic and unsafe behavior, portraying Kenya as a risky destination for business.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to economic growth and service delivery, the CS revealed that the National Treasury had disbursed the full Ksh 415 billion county allocations for the 2024/25 fiscal year, including arrears from FY 2023/24. This, he said, underscores the government’s determination to strengthen devolution and support local development.
Mbadi further reported that all funds for the National Government-Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) had been released for the same financial year, noting a 94 percent success rate in the utilisation of the development budget. He urged critics to acknowledge the progress being made, rather than perpetuating narratives that ignore tangible achievements.
In addition, the CS announced the release of Ksh 8 billion to facilitate salary increments for teachers, reinforcing the government’s support for the education sector. He reiterated that continuous allocations will be made to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to boost access to quality healthcare and ensure a healthier, more productive workforce.
While acknowledging the right to protest, Mbadi emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and peaceful expression. He urged the youth and political leaders to preserve Kenya’s stability, warning that persistent disruptions not only discourage investors but also threaten the nation’s economic progress.
As the government navigates a challenging fiscal environment, Mbadi called for national unity and a shared commitment to development, noting that sustained economic growth requires both responsible governance and civic responsibility.
