By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to involving citizens in economic discussions at the grassroots level to enhance public participation in the budget-making process.
Speaking during the Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani forum that brought together spiritual leaders from across Busia County, Mbadi said the initiative is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen ownership of the national development agenda.
“This initiative strengthens dialogue between the government and citizens and promotes greater understanding of economic and fiscal issues. The forum underscores the government’s commitment to engaging wananchi directly on matters of economic management and public finance,” said Mbadi.
The CS noted that despite prevailing regional and global economic challenges, Kenya’s economy has remained resilient and continues to register steady growth.
“According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey, the country’s economy continues to grow at close to 5 percent. This growth has been driven by strong performance in agriculture, accommodation, and financial services. Kenya’s nominal Gross Domestic Product now stands at approximately KSh 18 trillion, reflecting the continued expansion and stability of our economy,” he said.
He added that the gains provide a strong foundation for sustained development, job creation, and improved livelihoods for wananchi.
Mbadi also assured counties of timely disbursement of funds to support uninterrupted service delivery.
“We are committed to devolution by ensuring funds are released on time. Last year, we released all NG-CDF funds budgeted for the 2024/2025 financial year. Currently, we are disbursing nearly KSh 5.3 billion every month to NG-CDF, and the allocation for May has already been released,” he said.
The Treasury CS further championed the adoption of e-procurement to enhance transparency in public procurement and reduce misuse of public resources.
“The main source of theft of public funds is during procurement and tender awarding. We want the process to be open so that someone in Busia can bid for a tender in another county and be awarded purely on merit and qualification,” he added.
Mbadi also pledged government support for Busia County through investments in trade infrastructure and productive sectors aimed at unlocking the county’s economic potential.
“Busia County occupies a strategic position within the East African regional trade corridor. It holds immense potential in trade, agriculture, logistics, fisheries, and cross-border commerce,” he said.
During the event, the CS also launched the Brethren to Brethren SACCO, an initiative aimed at enabling spiritual leaders to access affordable loans and improve their economic wellbeing.
Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Bonface Makokha lauded the forum, saying it offers wananchi an opportunity to have their voices heard and considered in national decision-making.
“This is a platform where we engage and understand each other so that when decisions are made at the executive level, the voice of the people at the grassroots is considered. We are also building a network of trusted and empowered community leaders to strengthen our connection with citizens,” he said.
Makokha further urged spiritual leaders to actively participate in the SACCO, saying it will help improve their economic status.
“As we spiritually empower our people, we must also empower ourselves economically. The SACCO will help improve our lives as spiritual leaders. Let us become drivers of the economy by undertaking income-generating projects that will transform our lives and those of the people we lead,” he said.
