John Mbadi: Kenya is doing well because of strong export growth
By Joel Masibo, August 25, 2025Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has assured Kenyans that the country’s economy is on a steady footing, citing growth in exports and good debt management as key drivers of performance.
Speaking on the sidelines of ongoing budget preparations at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, Mbadi said Kenya had earlier this year successfully settled a Eurobond repayment on time, a move he noted eliminated the risks that would have otherwise burdened the economy.
“The country is performing well because of growth in exports. Earlier this year, we successfully made a timely Eurobond payment, thereby eliminating the associated risk,” he said.
The Treasury CS further explained that the upcoming 2026/27 budget is being drawn up at a time when the global economy faces considerable headwinds, including rising trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, and policy uncertainties that pose threats to growth. He noted that these dynamics will inevitably influence domestic fiscal planning and resource allocation.
“The competition for resources and funding will inevitably necessitate the elimination of inefficiencies, duplication, and misallocation,” Mbadi stated, signalling a strong stance on cutting waste in public spending.
He Mbadi also emphasised that public participation remains a cornerstone of fiscal policy, assuring citizens that their voices will continue to shape budget priorities as the government seeks to balance competing needs with available resources.
Mbadi’s remarks come at a time of heightened debate over debt sustainability, rising living costs, and the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
Kenya’s economic growth
Backing CS John Mbadi on the country’s economic growth, President William Ruto recently reaffirmed that Kenya is creating a conducive business environment for international investors. Ruto was speaking on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) meeting in Yokohama City, Japan, on Friday, August 22, 2025, where the Head of State said that Kenya has put in place measures to allow businesses to flourish, despite the heated political temperatures in the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
”We are creating a good environment for business to invest, grow and flourish in Kenya through a progressive and facilitative legal, tax and incentives regime. As a result, Kenya has become an attractive destination for many international and regional companies. For example, more than 120 Japanese companies operate in Nairobi, engaging in an array of businesses ranging from construction to manufacturing,” President William Ruto wrote on his official X account.