Mbadi asks Kenyans for more time, says economy is on the right trajectory

Kenyans have been urged to give the Kenya Kwanza government “ample time” to fix economic issues affecting the country. National Treasury and Economic Planning John Mbadi while acknowledging the lingering challenges facing Kenyans, including the high cost of living and taxation said the country is on a positive trajectory.

Citizens, he said would soon feel relieved from the current economic burden, adding that the economy is already beginning to rebound. Mbadi cited systematic payment of salaries to state officers and civil servants as well as timely disbursement of funds to counties as positive indicators.

“The country’s economy has shown signs of stabilisation. We ask Kenyans to give us more time to deliver on our mandate to make life simpler for everyone,” he said. Speaking during a public engagement forum at Kenya Medical Training College grounds in Ndhiwa Constituency, the CS disclosed that the government is implementing various measures, including expanding the tax base with the aim of reviving the economy and boosting cash flow. With the new strategies, Mbadi expressed confidence that the country’s economy is expected to grow exponentially.   “The lack of money in people’s pockets is something we must address in our broad-based economic recovery plan,” he said, admitting that many Kenyans feel financially strained.

According to Mbadi, the rate of borrowing has dropped to 11 per cent from 17 per cent when President William Ruto took office after the 2022 election. He said he was appointed Treasury CS when the government was borrowing at 15.5 per cent. “Our inflation rate is at 2.8 per cent which is another notable achievement,” the CS stated.