Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu has strongly criticized the 2025/2026 budget estimates, accusing the Executive of using it as a political tool to secure President William Ruto’s re-election rather than addressing pressing national issues. Speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday, Mulu said the budget reflects misplaced priorities, favouring political survival over essential services like education, health, and job creation.
“In any budget, the Executive will push for manifesto implementation, but this one leans too much toward political interests. From my analysis, this is an Executive-driven budget crafted for re-election,” said Mulu.
The legislator faulted the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee for failing to prioritize key sectors. While the national government has received a significant boost with an allocation of Ksh.2.54 trillion, education has only been allocated Ksh.700.9 billion. Mulu noted that the funds benefiting ordinary citizens—the mwananchi—are minimal.
He emphasized the importance of supporting the private sector to rejuvenate the economy and create employment. “Money that benefits the mwananchi should promote a conducive environment for the private sector. If the sector thrives, it will absorb more workers and increase household incomes,” he added.
Mulu also raised concerns over Ksh.150 million set aside for procuring and servicing a social media tracking system, suggesting it reflects the government’s growing focus on political control rather than public welfare.
In stark contrast to the Executive’s recurrent expenditure of Ksh.11 billion, the health sector continues to suffer, with only Ksh.4 billion allocated to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, despite needing Ksh.8 billion.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) faces a Ksh.570 million cut, with Ksh.620 million slashed from teacher capacity building. Primary and secondary education are also hit, with reductions in capitation and a net Ksh.4 billion cut from secondary and junior secondary education.
The National Assembly is set to debate the estimates, which if approved, will allow Treasury CS John Mbadi to present the final budget statement.
