Several Cabinet Secretaries have raised concerns over budgetary constraints that could hinder critical government programs. Appearing before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, Labour and Social Protection CS Alfred Mutua, alongside his counterparts Salim Mvurya (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports) and Justin Muturi (Public Service and Human Capital Development), cautioned that the proposed budget cuts could negatively impact social welfare, youth employment, and public service initiatives.
Mutua hinted at a possible reduction in the monthly stipend under the Inua Jamii cash transfer program for older persons from Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 1,000 due to a Ksh 19.85 billion shortfall. The program requires Ksh 44.33 billion but has only been allocated Ksh 24.48 billion in the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS). Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, however, urged for an increase of the stipend to Ksh 4,000.
Mvurya expressed concerns that budget cuts over the past three years had hampered job creation and youth empowerment programs. He stated that the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy required an additional Ksh 4.146 billion to implement key initiatives.
Muturi warned that the shortfall in funding for his ministry could derail the expansion of National Youth Service (NYS) recruitment, a key presidential directive aimed at increasing enrollment from 10,000 to 100,000 by 2027-28. His ministry was allocated Ksh 9.896 billion against a requirement of Ksh 24.17 billion.
Meanwhile, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi told the Energy Committee that budget constraints could affect last-mile electricity connectivity, the Green Resilient Energy program, and the Food and Security energy initiatives. The ministry has been allocated Ksh 55 billion, with Ksh 12 billion for recurrent expenditures and Ksh 43 billion for capital projects.
Additionally, MPs rallied behind the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to improve police officers’ mental wellness by establishing psychosocial support centers. Sponsored by Suna West MP Peter Masara, the Bill mandates the National Police Service Commission to prioritize mental health support and counseling services.
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o also urged the National Treasury to adopt prudent debt management strategies, advocating for concessional loans with lower interest rates to prevent financial instability.
