National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has warned that ongoing protests and destruction of property are damaging Kenya’s image and threatening its economic stability by scaring off potential foreign investors.
Speaking during a fundraiser in Suna West Constituency, Migori County, Mbadi urged youth to exercise restraint and avoid lawlessness, noting that violent demonstrations undermine the government’s efforts to position Kenya as a safe and attractive investment destination.
“We cannot be visiting foreign countries to champion for investors while at the same time our youth are destroying businesses, looting, and engaging in acts of lawlessness,” Mbadi said.
The CS emphasized that the protests, which began as expressions of discontent, have evolved into undemocratic conduct, portraying the country as unstable. This, he warned, sends the wrong signal to international partners and investors.
Defending the government’s development record, Mbadi revealed that the Treasury had disbursed Ksh 415 billion in full county allocations for the 2024/25 fiscal year, including all pending arrears from the previous year. He also confirmed the release of all funds under the National Government-Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), with a 94% success rate in development budget utilization.
Additionally, Mbadi said the Treasury has initiated the release of Ksh 8 billion to support salary increments for teachers, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and public service delivery.
“Those who claim the government is doing nothing are being dishonest,” he added.
On health, the CS assured that more funds will be allocated to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system and support a productive, healthier workforce.
Mbadi’s remarks come amid heightened public unrest across the country, as citizens demand accountability and reforms, protests that now risk becoming a major stumbling block to Kenya’s economic recovery and investor confidence.
Written By Rodney Mbua
