Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi arrived in Parliament on foot this afternoon to present the 2025 national budget valued at KSh 4.23 trillion.
The CS broke with past tradition by walking from the Treasury Building along Harambee Avenue to Parliament, accompanied by Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo and other officials.
Mbadi posed briefly for photos outside Parliament before making his way to the chamber for the official budget presentation.
The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s fiscal calendar, as Parliament reviews and sets the tone for Kenya’s economic direction in the coming year.
Heavy security presence
Security was heightened around the Parliament precincts, with a strong deployment of police officers across Parliament Road and surrounding areas.
The tight security comes amid heightened political tension and anticipated public demonstrations.
Access was restricted in parts of the Central Business District, with police maintaining surveillance to ensure smooth proceedings within the House.
Despite the heavy presence, the reading of the budget continued without disruption by the time of reporting.
Break from tradition
Mbadi’s walk to Parliament stood out, contrasting with previous Cabinet Secretaries who typically arrived in official vehicles.
His approach has been interpreted by some as a symbolic gesture, perhaps signalling a message of fiscal restraint, transparency, or a personal break from opulence during a time of economic pressure on citizens.
This is Mbadi’s first budget presentation since assuming office in early 2025 after a Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto.
He is expected to focus on revenue generation, public debt management, and social investment, while outlining how the government intends to boost service delivery amid tightening global and domestic economic conditions.
Budget day unrest
The budget presentation came as tension simmered across Nairobi’s Central Business District, where protestors clashed with police demanding justice for the late Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody.
