Tag: Budget FY 2025/26 news

Kenyan Youth: The Hits and Misses in the 2025/26 Financial Budget

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

The 2025/26 financial budget is now public. But let’s be honest – not everyone is lining up to read a 300-page document full of jargon.

So, I’ve attempted to break it down to the bits that have boosted the Kenyan youth – and, the parts that have them in a choke hold.

Students at an unidentified college in Nairobi during a social moment (Image: Files)

1. A New, Better Youth Fund 

The government is planning to scrap the old Youth Enterprise Development Fund and replace it with a better version – one that will offer loans, grants, and business training for youth.

So, if you’ve got an idea, you might just get funded… if this fund goes live soon.

2. NYS to Recruit 40,000 Youth

If you’re looking for skills, discipline, or even a structured income opportunity, the National Youth Service (NYS) is targeting 40,000 new recruits this year.

That means vocational training and possible deployment in various government projects.

3. Education is Feeling the Pinch

Over 900,000 students in secondary school are at risk as funding for free education faces a Sh43 billion hole.

The school feeding program too? Underfunded. So, while education remains a priority, the struggle is real.

4. Digital Hubs

Despite the cuts, 274 digital hubs are already up and running. Over 500,000 youth have received training, and some are already earning online.

The internet might not solve everything – but it can still help pay some bills.

5. NYOTA & WHOZNEXT: New Opportunities

These new programs want to connect youth with jobs, mentorship, and talent growth.

Think of them as modern ways to showcase what you can do – whether it’s coding, content creation, or your side hustle. Eyes open on these.

6. Cheaper Smart Phones Locally Assembled

You don’t need to break the bank for a smartphone anymore.

Locally assembled, smart-enabled phones will now retail at Sh7,500. That means more youth can access the internet, digital work, and apps that actually pay.

7. Focus on the Creative Economy

The government says it wants to promote the arts, music, fashion, and everything creative — but again, funding is a bit tight. Programs like “Vijana Vuka na Afya” are struggling to stay afloat. But the intention is there, and that’s still worth watching.

8. Digital Jobs Programs Face Budget Cuts (Yes, Really)

The Ajira Digital and Jitume Hub programs – the ones meant to help you earn online – have been hit by serious funding cuts.

That means fewer training slots and fewer digital job opportunities. If you were planning to hop onto online work via government-supported platforms, this might slow you down.

So, In a Nutshell ….

The 2025/26 budget is trying to balance a tough economy with big dreams – especially for the youth.

Yes, there are challenges (cuts here, shortfalls there), but the doors aren’t shut.

Whether it’s hustling online, joining NYS, or pitching that business idea, there’s still room to play your part.

Stay woke. Stay ready. Your next opportunity might just be one budget item away.

Kenya’s 2025/26 Budget: Where’s the Ksh4 Trillion Going?

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

Kenya’s latest budget is out, and it’s packed with big plans for the economy, job creation, and essential services.

But let’s be real – budgets can feel like a maze of numbers.

So, here’s a simple breakdown of what you really need to know about the 2025/26 budget and how it affects you.

How Much Money Are We Talking About?

The government is working with a total budget of Ksh 4.26 trillion. Here’s how it stacks up:

Expected revenue is Ksh 3.39 trillion (this includes taxes and other government income) and projected spending is Ksh 4.26 trillion.

The budget deficit (the shortfall) is Ksh 831 billion, which will be covered through financing loans – both local and international.

In simple terms: the government is spending more than it’s collecting, but it’s trying to keep borrowing under control.

What Are the Big Priorities?

This budget isn’t just about numbers – it’s about where the money goes. The government has lined up five key areas for major investment under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA):

✅ Agriculture – More food production, irrigation projects, and support for farmers.

✅ Small Businesses (MSMEs) – Boosting job creation through financial support and market access.

✅ Affordable Housing – Building more houses to close the housing gap.

✅ Healthcare – Strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and making healthcare more accessible.

✅ Digital Economy & Creative Industry –  Expanding internet access, supporting content creators, and digitalizing services.

Beyond these, other key focus areas include infrastructure, manufacturing, climate change, education, and youth empowerment.

Who’s Getting What?

The Ksh 4.26 trillion budget is spread across different sectors. Here’s a snapshot:

  • Ksh 3.1 trillion for running government operations (recurrent expenditure).
  • Ksh 725 billion for development projects (things like roads, hospitals, and water supply).
  • Ksh 436 billion will be sent to county governments to manage local projects.
Jua Kali artisans in the Affordable Housing program, a key factor in the 2025/26 budget estimate. (Image: Files)

A Closer Look at Some Key Sectors

Healthcare – More funding for hospitals, maternal and child healthcare, and rolling out Taifa Care, the new health insurance scheme.

Agriculture – Farmers will benefit from subsidized inputs, irrigation projects, and investment in key value chains like dairy and edible oils.

Security – More resources will go toward national security, fighting cybercrime, and strengthening law enforcement

Digital Economy – Expect more free public Wi-Fi, expansion of fibre networks, and opportunities for digital entrepreneurs.

Affordable Housing – New housing projects are in the pipeline, with a goal of making homeownership easier.

What’s The Big Picture?

This budget is all about balancing growth and financial discipline. The government wants to reduce debt, expand the tax base, and invest in key sectors that will drive economic recovery.

But the big question remains – will these plans translate into real change on the ground?

That’s what we’ll be watching in the months ahead. We shall offer more incisive breakdown of the FY 2025/26 in the coming weeks.