The Standard

A third of Sh4.2 trillion national budget will go to waste or stolen

By Patrick Muinde | 1d ago
National Treasury CS John Mbadi(2nd left) with his PS Chris Kiptoo(left), National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Samuel Atandi(2nd right) and CBK Governor Kamau Thugge(right) addressing the media during the Budget Policy Highlights and Revenue Raising Measures for the FY 2025-26 Budget at Parliament onn June 12, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The annual budget process is an official ritual that Kenyans cannot avoid courtesy of the country’s established constitutional and democratic order. Over the years, the budget making process has become a mixed bag depending on which side of the feeding trough one stands on.

What is certain however, from various accountability frameworks, including audited government accounts, Controller of Budgets (CoB) reports, anti-corruption and civil society oversight, is that a significant amount of the appropriated funds is usually set aside for official waste and outright theft. With this in mind, the only question open for debate is: How much of the 2025/26 budget allocations shall  trickle down for the benefit of Wanjiku?

Support Bold Journalism — Subscribe to The Standard & Hold Power Accountable
Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week

Subscribe Today & Save!

  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
Already a subscriber? Log in

Related Topics

Appropriation Bill Finance Bill FY 2025/2026 Bill National Debt
.

Similar Articles

New used car tax model could backfire
New used car tax model could backfire
History offers invaluable lessons in policymaking, particularly on the consequences of failing to align the intended and unintended consequences of laws.
Opinion
By Kevin Safari and Bruno Otiato
3 hrs ago
Fruit waste, glass pollution raise sustainability red flags in beverage industry
Fruit waste, glass pollution raise sustainability red flags in beverage industry
Kenya’s beverage industry is under growing scrutiny over wasteful supply chains and unsustainable packaging, as more players enter the premium drinks market while relying heavily on local produce.
Business
By David Njaaga
6 hrs ago
It's a mixed bag for Michael Joseph as he formally exits Kenya Airways
It's a mixed bag for Michael Joseph as he formally exits Kenya Airways
Michael Joseph's exit marked the end of a board career spanning a maximum tenure of nine years, marked by both highs and lows. 
Business
By Macharia Kamau
12 hrs ago
Epra increases cost of super petrol in fuel prices changes
Epra increases cost of super petrol in fuel prices changes
Epra has scrapped the petroleum price stabilization or subsidies that are used to cushion motorists from high prices.
Business
By Macharia Kamau
23 hrs ago
From Sh4.24 tr to Sh4.29 tr: Mbadi moving numbers raise eyebrows
From Sh4.24 tr to Sh4.29 tr: Mbadi moving numbers raise eyebrows
Treasury has moved goal posts from the spending plan it presented to Parliament in April.Experts say this erodes credibility of the budget-making process, as the numbers can’t be relied on.
Business
By Macharia Kamau
1 day ago
Epra boss picked for global energy body's post
Epra boss picked for global energy body's post
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) Director General Danie Kiptoo has been appointed the vice chairman of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER).
Business
By Macharia Kamau
1 day ago
Alarm as Kilifi-based Tanzanian gas firm fails key KEBS safety standard
Alarm as Kilifi-based Tanzanian gas firm fails key KEBS safety standard
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has rejected a cooking gas consignment that was imported into the country by Lake Gas due to non-compliance with safety standards.
Business
By Macharia Kamau
1 day ago
State seeks private investment to improve water access
State seeks private investment to improve water access
The government seeks to tap into private capital to rehabilitate degraded lands as it seeks to increase water access in arid and semi-arid lands as well as urban areas. 
Business
By Claire Ochieng
1 day ago
Kenyan engineers get recognition for global mobility
Kenyan engineers get recognition for global mobility
Kenyan Engineers have reached a historic milestone after the Engineers Board of Kenya acceded to the Washington Accord as a Provisional Signatory.
Business
By Winfrey Owino
2 days ago
China builds giant radio telescope to meet needs of scientific observation
China builds giant radio telescope to meet needs of scientific observation
Located in a valley basin of Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, the telescope has an aperture of 110 meters and is expected to be completed and put into use in 2028.
Sci & Tech
By Xinhua
2 days ago
.

Latest Stories

New used car tax model could backfire
New used car tax model could backfire
Opinion
By Kevin Safari and Bruno Otiato
3 hrs ago
Fruit waste, glass pollution raise sustainability red flags in beverage industry
Business
By David Njaaga
6 hrs ago
It's a mixed bag for Michael Joseph as he formally exits Kenya Airways
Business
By Macharia Kamau
12 hrs ago
Epra increases cost of super petrol in fuel prices changes
Business
By Macharia Kamau
23 hrs ago
.

The Standard Insider

.

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

join Digger Classifieds telegram channel
The Standard
© 2025. The Standard Group PLC. All rights reserved