The 2026/2027 national budget is set to swell to Ksh4.6 trillion after the National Assembly approved supplementary spending of Ksh363 billion, surpassing the Treasury’s initial proposal of Ksh287 billion.

The increase has sparked jitters among economists and citizens concerned about rising debt and government wastage.

The additional allocation is aimed at settling unpaid obligations in key sectors, including education, health, and security. Budget Committee Chair Samuel Atandi explained the rationale.

“People are already employed, so we cannot stop paying their dues; we also had unforeseen events,” he stated.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will see its budget rise by Ksh24 billion, taking the total to Ksh411 billion. Similarly, the health sector will receive an extra Ksh26 billion, boosting its allocation from Ksh138 billion to Ksh164 billion.

Security spending has also been significantly increased by Ksh53 billion, raising the sector’s total budget from Ksh365 billion to Ksh418 billion. Defence will receive Ksh24 billion, the National Intelligence Service Ksh10 billion, and the National Police Service Ksh7.5 billion.

Atandi emphasised the need for this funding, noting, “Security challenges are there; they emerge each and every time there is sophistication in crime, and we must keep up.”

While the supplementary estimates aim to address urgent obligations, critics have raised concerns about adherence to proper budgetary procedures.

Several departments have relied on Article 223 of the Constitution, which allows emergency spending without prior parliamentary approval.

This has heightened calls from citizens and civil society groups for greater transparency and accountability in public finance.

Atandi also pointed to the role of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in ensuring the new spending does not strain taxpayers.

“We want KRA to use the money we have given them to improve systems.” The MP said.

However, meeting the Ksh4.6 trillion budget will require robust revenue collection and strict oversight to prevent wastage and ballooning debt.

The expanded budget comes amid growing public scrutiny of government spending habits. Citizens have increasingly pushed for accountability, especially in sectors where mismanagement and unpaid dues have long hampered service delivery.

With debt concerns looming and taxpayer money under pressure, the supplementary budget is likely to remain a contentious topic as the 2026/27 fiscal year unfolds.