Miraj Guo
September 16, 2026
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has challenged politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 to move beyond slogans and present clear plans on how they would address Kenya’s economic and social challenges.
Speaking during a media forum on Wednesday, Mbadi urged journalists and the public to scrutinise the economic proposals being presented by politicians ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said presidential aspirants should explain how they would manage the country’s public debt, create jobs and strengthen key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, housing and education.
“Those who want to lead this country must tell Kenyans what they are going to do. They must come out with concrete programmes and policies that will address the challenges facing our economy,” Mbadi said.
He called on the media to question politicians about the practicality of their proposals instead of allowing political slogans to dominate the 2027 election debate.
“The media must interrogate these issues. Let us ask them how they are going to deal with debt, how they are going to create jobs and how they are going to grow the economy,” he said.
On taxation and economic growth, Mbadi argued that Kenya must put greater emphasis on production, value addition and exports.
“A nation cannot tax itself into prosperity. It must produce its way into prosperity,” he said.
Mbadi said future economic plans should give greater attention to sectors capable of generating wealth, creating employment and increasing Kenya’s export earnings.
He also defended the government’s economic record, saying its policies were aimed at strengthening production, controlling public expenditure and improving fiscal sustainability. The 2026/27 national budget, presented by Mbadi in June, prioritises domestic revenue mobilisation, expenditure control and public debt sustainability.
The CS said agriculture remained an important part of the government’s economic strategy, with the 2026/27 budget providing funding for agricultural value chains, food security and farmer support programmes.
Mbadi also maintained that he will not seek an elective position in the 2027 General Election, saying he has stepped away from elective politics to concentrate on his responsibilities at the National Treasury.
His remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders across different political formations expected to present their policy and economic priorities to voters.
