Nyeri residents decry 'skewed' budget allocations in Finance Bill 2025

Nyeri residents have raised concerns over what they term as excessive and misplaced allocations in the proposed Finance Bill 2025.

The have instead urged the government to prioritize essential services such as health, education, and agriculture.

Speaking during a public hearing on the 2025/2026 Budget Estimates at ACK St Peter's Cathedral in Nyeri town, Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia criticised the government for failing to keep its promise of cutting unnecessary spending.

“We are seeing billions of shillings being funneled into areas that do not directly contribute to national development,” MP Kaguchia said.

“Following the Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024, President William Ruto assured the country that such excessive expenditures would be scrapped. Unfortunately, they have resurfaced in this year’s proposal.”

Mr Kaguchia cited the presidency’s nearly Sh17 billion budget, the Sh51 billion allocation to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and Sh195 billion in recurrent expenditure for the Defence department as examples of fiscal excess.

“I urge the government to scale down these allocations to the NIS, Executive offices, Defence, and the Public Service and redirect funds to critical sectors like Agriculture, Health, and Education,” he added.

Citizens echoed the MP’s sentiments, urging leaders to be more responsive to public needs and ensure equitable distribution of national resources.

Mr Ian Gichuki, a resident from Mathira Constituency, emphasized the importance of changing the government’s perception of young people.

“Stop labeling youths as drunkards or drug addicts. We are the people, and we demand accountability, not conflict,” Mr Gichuki said.

He also questioned the functionality of the Social Health Authority (SHA), especially given that Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge, who was present at the forum, serves on the National Assembly Health Committee.

Another participant, Ms Leah Wanjiru from Tetu Constituency, raised concerns over the government's ability to fund national examinations.

“We've learned that the government lacks money to support exams for our learners. This is deeply troubling,” Ms Wanjiru said.

On his part, Mr Hassan Wanjiku--a resident of Majengo in Nyeri Town Constituency--called for increased funding to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, while Mr Peter Wambugu from Othaya criticised the planned renovations of State House.

“How can you justify allocating a huge sum for State House renovations when there are far more pressing needs?” Mr Wambugu posed.

“Stop forcing our people to beg for bursaries from MPs. Education funding should be fairly allocated.”

Responding to the concerns, Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge acknowledged the public's frustrations, but noted that budget cuts had been implemented.

“The budget deficit has been reduced to 4.5pc from 5.8 pc, and overall expenditure has been cut by 20 percent. This has required us to reduce budgets across all departments,” MP Mathenge said.

Igembe South MP John Mwirigi, a member of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, assured residents that their contributions would be included in the committee's final report.

“All your views will be taken into account as we compile our report. We are committed to ensuring transparency in the allocation and use of public funds,” MP Mwirigi said.

The public hearing served as part of a nationwide consultation process on the proposed budget, intended to give citizens a platform to shape the country's fiscal priorities.