In a significant milestone to win public trust, the government strengthened public participation in all policy formulation including budget-making process during pre-budget period
Addressing Parliament on budget 2025-26, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced major steps in response to concerns raised during public consultations with Kenyans across various forums, an effort to promote inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing economy.”The consultations, part of an effort to promote inclusive dialogue, have informed key policy shifts in taxation and public debt management” said Mbadi
To ease tax burden ordinary Mwananchi, the government has prioritized expanding the tax base and boosting compliance. This will be achieved through ongoing digitisation and automation at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), aligned with Kenya’s medium-term revenueIn respect on the ongoing work on digitisation and automation of the Kenya Revenue Authority in line with Kenya’s medium-term revenue strategy.
Kenyans will contribute to financing the operations of government and development of the country. To enhance liquidity in the economy and support small businesses, the government started the process of settling pending bills that have been validated, particularly those related to road construction, which has resulted in resumption of road construction projects across the country.”
The Pending Bills Verification Committee will share their final report by the end of June 2025. This report will be analysed and recommendations tabled in Cabinet for approval” he stated.
Mbadi futher explained that the government will embark on the process of clearing eligible bills, which will start with those related to individuals, businesses, and the micro, small, and medium enterprises, with majority of whom have bought the branch of non-payment.