Budget cuts uproar: Gov’t accused of using proposed Finance Bill 2025 to punish Kenyans

A section of civil society groups under the Okoa Uchumi campaign has accused the government of using the proposed Finance Bill 2025/2026 to punish taxpayers and extend favours to a connected few.

The civil society members say the Ksh.3.3 trillion budget prioritizes non-essential spending as Kenyans grapple with a rising cost of living — with the health sector hit hardest, Linda Mama scrapped, and medicine prices set to spike.

This comes even as public debt crosses Ksh.11 trillion.

"This programme has increased hospital deliveries under skilled care — yet no extra funds have been allocated for HIV programs, even after USAID pulled out," noted Abraham Ochieng of Bajeti Hub.

Medication prices are also expected to rise sharply if the proposal to shift goods from zero-rated to VAT-exempt status is passed. The civil society members say this will drive up the cost of animal feeds, affecting milk and egg prices, as well as medicines.

"Our chronic patients already struggle. What happens when prices rise again?" posed Alexander Riithi of TISA Kenya.

Education is also on the chopping block, with a Ksh.4.3 billion cut. The school feeding programme will lose Ksh.600 million — enough to feed 50,000 children for a year.

"A feeding programme that’s existed since 1970 now faces cuts, even as enrolment rises," added Abraham Ochieng.

Another flashpoint is a proposed amendment allowing KRA access to personal data without a court order — a move critics say threatens privacy and democracy.

"It opens the door for surveillance, voter targeting, and election interference," said Alexander Riithi of TISA.

Meanwhile, oversight bodies like the Judiciary and IPOA will receive no budget increase, while the Interior Ministry’s budget jumps by 33 per cent.

The Okoa Uchumi campaign is urging the National Assembly to scrap unnecessary budget provisions, including the increase in presidential advisors and what they term as the continued expansion of the Executive.