Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu has criticized the 2025/2026 national budget, accusing the Executive of prioritizing political interests over the welfare of ordinary Kenyans. In an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Mulu claimed the budget is strategically designed to bolster President William Ruto’s re-election campaign rather than address pressing national needs.
According to the legislator, the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee has sidelined critical sectors such as education and health in favor of expanding government expenditure. “From my analysis, this budget is more of an Executive budget. Most of the programs will be supporting the government to get re-elected,” Mulu said.
The Ksh.3.9 trillion budget proposal allocates Ksh.700.9 billion to education but drastically increases national government funding to Ksh.2.54 trillion. Among controversial allocations is Ksh.150 million earmarked for a social media monitoring system.
Mulu questioned the decision to allocate Ksh.11 billion to the recurrent expenses of the President and Deputy President while funding for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff remains at Ksh.4 billion, against the Ksh.8 billion required for full absorption. “Why not divert some of that money to health? These are misplaced priorities,” he argued.
The MP also decried cuts in key education allocations. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to lose Ksh.570 million, including Ksh.620 million from teachers’ capacity-building programs. University education will lose Ksh.920 million, and both primary and secondary schools face a combined capitation reduction of over Ksh.5 billion.
Mulu urged the government to channel more resources into the private sector, citing its potential to drive economic recovery and job creation. “Money benefiting mwananchi should be promoting a conducive environment for the private sector. If the private sector thrives, we will have more jobs and better incomes,” he said.
Meanwhile, security services are seeing significant boosts, with the National Police Service receiving Ksh.1.8 billion in additional recurrent funding. The Office of the Inspector General will get Ksh.800 million more, and the Deputy IG (Administrative Police) is allocated Ksh.60 million extra.
The final budget estimates were tabled before the National Assembly this week after consultations with various government departments. Parliament is expected to debate the report before Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presents the official budget statement.
As debate looms, Mulu’s remarks reflect growing concern among lawmakers over what critics see as a politically motivated budget that may undermine vital public services.
Written By Rodney Mbua
