Kenya’s next national budget cycle will officially begin on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, when the National Treasury launches the preparation process for the Financial Year 2027/28 and the Medium-Term Budget.
The launch, which will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from 8.30 am, marks the formal start of planning for government spending, revenue collection and economic priorities for the 2027/28 financial year and the years that follow.
In a publication, the Treasury said the event would bring together government officials, lawmakers, economic planners and members of the public.
“The National Treasury is pleased to announce the official launch of the FY 2027/28 and Medium-Term Budget preparation process,” the notice stated.
The programme is expected to begin with remarks from the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury and the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi will then deliver the keynote address and formally launch the budget preparation exercise.
Treasury officials are also expected to present highlights of the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) and Kenya’s medium-term macroeconomic outlook. The presentations will outline the economic assumptions and policy priorities that are expected to guide the preparation of the FY 2027/28 Budget and the broader medium-term expenditure framework.
The budget process is one of the government’s main planning tools. It determines how public resources will be allocated to sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, security and social protection. It also guides revenue projections and borrowing plans.
Treasury had earlier issued guidelines for the preparation of the 2027/28–2029/30 Medium-Term Budget. The guidelines provide the framework that ministries, departments and agencies will use when preparing their spending proposals and aligning them with national development priorities.
Public participation is expected to be a central feature of the exercise. The Treasury said the launch event would be open to members of the public as part of efforts to promote transparency and inclusiveness in financial decision-making.
“The event is open to the public to promote transparency and inclusiveness in budget formulation,” the notice said.
Members of the public will also be able to follow live coverage and updates through the National Treasury’s official social media platforms.
The exercise is being conducted under Article 201 of the Constitution and Section 35(2) of the Public Finance Management Act. Article 201 requires openness, accountability and public participation in financial matters, while Section 35(2) requires the Treasury Cabinet Secretary to ensure public participation throughout the national budget process.
After the launch, ministries and state agencies are expected to begin preparing detailed budget proposals. These proposals will later be reviewed by the Treasury, incorporated into the Budget Policy Statement and submitted to Parliament for scrutiny and approval.
The FY 2027/28 budget process is expected to shape Kenya’s spending priorities ahead of the 2027/28 financial year, with attention likely to focus on economic growth, debt management, revenue mobilisation and funding for key public services.
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