Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the Kenyan economy, assuring citizens that it is on a trajectory of recovery as it continues to grow despite increasing public skepticism.
Deflecting accusations that the economy is weakening, Mbadi reiterated that as Treasury, they have made significant progress in stabilizing the country’s economic direction since he took office.
Since assuming office in August 2024, Mbadi clarified that he has made the government meet timely financial payments, held inflation, and paid debts on schedule.
He added that his performance has surpassed that of some of his predecessors although they had served for longer.
“Claims that the economy is doing badly is false. It is meant to divert attention from the good work going on,” Mbadi said during a fundraising event at Mikuyu Primary School in Suba South on Saturday.
The former Suba South MP revealed that for the first time, the Treasury successfully released all funds owed to county governments by the end of the financial year, a milestone he says reflects improving fiscal discipline.
CS Mbadi called on Kenyans to support the broad-based government system, assuring that it is central to driving national development.
He also announced that the Treasury had fully disbursed the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), including outstanding arrears.
When he assumed office in August 2024, the Treasury owed KES 13 billion to the NG-CDF, a backlog he said he has since cleared.
“We paid everything before the close of the last financial year. We have given the money to the NG-CDF board, and it is now transferring the funds to constituencies,” Mbadi stated, reaffirming his commitment to timely and transparent resource allocation.
“Don’t Blame Treasury!”, Mbadi told the voters.
Mbadi also pushed back against criticism over stalled development in some regions, saying the blame should not fall on his office. He urged citizens to hold their local leaders accountable instead.
“I should not be blamed if your MP is not bringing NG-CDF to the ground,” he said, challenging voters to question their Members of Parliament and governors if promised projects are not being delivered.
Mbadi also highlighted efforts by the Treasury to support education, noting that schools are now receiving capitation funds on time.
“We paid 50 percent of the total capitation in January, another 30 percent in May, and the remaining 20 percent will be disbursed in the third term,” he explained.
In addition, he encouraged all Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority to ensure they are covered for hospital bills, emphasizing the government’s push for accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
Source: Nairobi Wire
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