National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has moved to reassure Kenyans and the business community that the government's next budget will not introduce unexpected measures, saying the proposals due to be announced have already been subjected to public scrutiny and consultation.
Kiptoo spoke on Thursday morning at Treasury Buildings ahead of the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, as the country awaited details of the government's Sh4.84 trillion spending plan.
According to the Treasury PS, the budget-making process has been open and inclusive, making it unlikely for Kenyans to encounter policies they have not already seen or discussed.
“There will be no surprises. Most of the issues are already out there in the public, but I will not give details because the CS is going to be reading the statement for two hours or even more,” Kiptoo said.
“We expect that all will go well,” he added.
His remarks come against the backdrop of growing public attention on the budget, particularly after heated debate over tax-related proposals and concerns about the rising cost of living.
The budget expected to be unveiled by Mbadi will outline government spending priorities for the coming financial year, with education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and employment creation among the sectors set to receive attention.
The fiscal plan will also set out how the government intends to fund its programmes and meet expenditure commitments at a time when it continues to face a sizeable financing gap.
Treasury estimates indicate that total revenue for the financial year is expected to reach Sh3.67 trillion. The amount includes Sh2.9 trillion from ordinary revenue, Sh644 billion in Appropriations in Aid and Sh44 billion in grants.
Even with those collections, the government is projected to face a deficit of about Sh1.2 trillion.
To close the gap, officials plan to combine local and foreign borrowing, with domestic borrowing expected to contribute nearly Sh1 trillion while external financing is projected at Sh148 billion.
The Treasury has also indicated that part of its focus will be settling pending bills estimated at Sh83 billion, a move expected to inject liquidity into the economy and support businesses awaiting payment from the government.
In recent months, Treasury officials have maintained that their approach centres on widening the tax net, strengthening revenue collection and supporting economic expansion while keeping public finances on a sustainable path.
Kenya's budget announcement will take place alongside similar fiscal statements in Uganda and Tanzania, where governments are also expected to unveil plans aimed at cushioning their economies from global pressures, including the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.