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Mbadi Seeks to Rebuild Trust On Finance Bill Via Open Dialogue With Youth

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Treasury CS John Mbadi
Treasury CS John Mbadi. PHOTO/Treasury
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Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has launched a series of public participation forums aimed at demystifying the Finance Bill, starting with a town hall meeting with the youth.

In the session, Mbadi defended the bill and national budget, emphasizing that the proposals were “people-friendly,” realistic, and centered on long-term reforms for the country’s benefit.

The CS struck an informative and sincere tone as he sought to clarify widespread misconceptions surrounding previous finance bills. He particularly aimed to rebuild trust with the youth, who led anti-finance bill protests last year.

“Every Kenyan, including the youth, has a right to participate in the budget-making process from beginning to end,” Mbadi said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusivity.

Key Reforms Highlighted

Mbadi outlined several reforms embedded in the bill and the budget, including streamlining tax administration to eliminate ambiguities, lowering the digital asset tax to 1.5%, adjusting tax treatment on allowances, pensions, and gratuities, improving KRA’s efficiency through IT integration, rolling out transparent procurement via e-GP from July 1, 2025, implementing zero-based budgeting with full integration into IFMIS and zeducing zero-rated items to minimize tax refund claims.

On the issue of government borrowing, Mbadi defended the practice as “necessary,” though he acknowledged public concern and pledged a consistent reduction of the budget deficit.

Job Security and Youth Issues

Addressing fears over job losses amid government restructuring, Mbadi assured attendees that those affected—particularly from parastatals—would be absorbed into other ministries. Any staff departures would be managed through structured agreements.

On social issues, he candidly acknowledged underfunding in areas such as mental health and digital infrastructure for content creators. “If no one speaks for this segment, then no one will factor it in,” he remarked, urging youth to engage more assertively in budget advocacy.

Youth Reaction: From Skepticism to Engagement

The town hall sparked positive reactions among attendees, with many expressing appreciation for the CS’s openness. One participant noted that had Mbadi been in office earlier, the 2024 youth protests “might have been avoided.”

A strong sense of empowerment emerged. “I now feel equipped to go back and explain the bill to my peers and family,” one youth said, reflecting a shift in how the Treasury is perceived—from an inaccessible institution to one that listens and engages.

Honest Responses on Pressing Issues

Mbadi addressed concerns around corruption, inequality, youth funding, and public debt with humility and pragmatism:

  • Mental Health: He admitted funding gaps and encouraged advocacy.

  • Borrowing: While loan conditions persist, he emphasized investments in agriculture, tourism, and mining to drive growth.

  • Corruption: He stressed reducing public fund leakage as a way to lessen borrowing.

  • Youth Funding: Acknowledging the 2% allocation was insufficient, he urged collective action to push for more.

  • Support for Content Creators: Promised a balanced approach between taxation and infrastructure development.

  • Infrastructure: Provided updates on projects like the Kisumu-Busia road, signaling regional responsiveness.

A Shift Toward Collaborative Governance

Overall, the town hall marked a turning point in government-youth relations. Mbadi’s transparency and use of relatable language helped neutralize hostility and encouraged youth to see themselves not just as critics, but as contributors to fiscal reform.

The session set a precedent for collaborative policymaking, highlighting the power of honest dialogue in shaping public ownership of economic policies.

Read: Cabinet Approves Finance Bill 2025, Proposes Amendments To Ksh4.3 Trillion Budget

>>> 2025 Budget: Govt Seeks to Cut Spending by Over Ksh300 Billion

Written by
BT Reporter -

editor [at] businesstoday.co.ke

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