Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 8 August 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

John Mbadi

Also known as: National Treasury CS John Mbadi · Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi · Treasury CS John Mbadi · Mr John Mbadi · National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi · former ODM Chairman · Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi · CS John Mbadi · Hon John Mbadi · Mr. Mbadi · CS for Treasury John Mbadi

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary who has signed health cooperation agreements and defended National Infrastructure Fund board appointments.

2026-04-242026-08-08

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Standard

    The issue resurfaced after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi left the exemption out of his 2026-2027 budget statement, prompting public expectations of relief to fade.Mbadi later said the proposal remained under consideration.

    Mbui pushes Ruto tax exemption pledge for low earners
  3. The Standard

    In a response to the Senate, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the country had continued to record positive growth across key sectors even as it grappled with external shocks, including conflict in the Middle East and drought-related risks experienced in late 2025.

    Treasury defends economic resilience, debt strategy and public finance reforms
  4. The Standard

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has projected a fiscal deficit of Sh1.14 trillion, with the government planning to raise Sh1.03 trillion through domestic borrowing and Sh116.2 billion from external sources.

    MPs clash as Finance Bill 2026 pass Second Reading
  5. The Standard

    the exercise, I set aside my frustration and began looking for holiday work to supplement the household income.That lesson came to mind last week during a discussion with a group of Gen Zs about the national budget presented to Parliament by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi

    National budget mirrors every family's tough tradeoffs
  6. The Standard

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has projected a fiscal deficit of Sh1.14 trillion, with the government planning to raise Sh1.03 trillion through domestic borrowing and Sh116.2 billion from external sources.

    MPs clash as 2026 Finance Bill passes Second Reading
  7. The Standard

    National Treasury CS John Mbadi displays the Budget Briefcase at Parliament, June 12, 2025.

    How Mbadi's 'no new tax' budget may increase cost of doing business
  8. The Standard

    National Treasury CS John Mbadi display the Budget Briefcase at Parliament on June 12, 2025.

    Ruto courts village elders with monthly stipends in 'Tutam' plan
  9. The Standard

    Treasury CS John Mbadi, before reading the 2026/27 Budget at Parliament buildings, Nairobi, June 11, 2026.

    Why Mbadi slashed Opiyo Wandayi's budget despite fuel pressures
  10. The Standard

    will face the full force of the law,” noted the DCI.CCTV footage from the church shows the attackers first attempted to gain entry at about 9 a.m. but police officers repelled them, allowing the meeting analysing budget proposals presented by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi

    Suspects in All Saints Cathedral attack rise to five as DCI makes more arrests
  11. The Standard

    The lobby has sued the Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the Commissioner General of KRA and the Attorney General, challenging sections of the Bill that it claims would impose unfair tax obligations and give state agencies excessive powers without adequate safeguards.

    COFEK moves to block six Finance Bill 2026 clauses over tax, privacy concerns

Yesterday

  1. Broad-based leaders warn opposition against alliance with Gachagua

    Leaders allied to the Broad-based government have cautioned opposition figures against working with Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, claiming he would sideline and overshadow political allies. The leaders urged Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang'i to abandon the opposition and work with President William Ruto instead.

    5 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  2. Former spokesman praises Treasury's clear economic communication

    Former Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has commended the National Treasury, led by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, as the best-performing government ministry in public communication, noting that it effectively simplifies complex economic issues for public understanding through regular media briefings and clear explanations of policies.

    9 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Thursday 6 August

  1. Government calls engineers to advise economic planning and infrastructure

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged engineers to take a more strategic role in Kenya's economic planning and public investment, saying engineering expertise is essential for delivering sustainable infrastructure and long-term economic growth. Speaking at the Second African Journal of Engineering Research and Innovation conference at Kenyatta University, Mbadi said economic planning and engineering are inseparable, with every national development plan eventually becoming an engineering project.

    6 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Government maintains ban on sugar imports to support local farmers

    Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has reaffirmed the government's ban on sugar imports and ordered the Kenya Sugar Board to stop issuing import licences, stating that Kenya has sufficient domestic sugar production to meet local demand and aims to become a sugar exporter.

    6 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Parliament committee demands EADB oversight answers from directors, Treasury

    The National Assembly Finance Committee said it will require East African Development Bank directors and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to appear before it to explain the bank's operations and required disbursements. The committee Chairman Kuria Kimani said the Committee must ensure the proposed amendment bill does not breach the Constitution and that EADB, if undertaking banking transactions, should be subject to Central Bank of Kenya supervision.

    29 July 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Kenya plans to deploy Sh2.81 trillion pension assets into infrastructure

    Kenya is preparing to unlock pension savings to finance major infrastructure, manufacturing and county development projects following the enactment of the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026, which creates a vehicle for mobilizing long-term capital from pension funds and other sources into strategic national projects.

    28 July 2026 · Capital News

Saturday 25 July

  1. Ruto defends SHA healthcare system, claims it outperforms NHIF

    President William Ruto has defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating it is performing "ten times more" than the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), citing increased monthly disbursements to health facilities and expanded membership registration. Ruto dismissed proposals to restore NHIF, arguing SHA has advanced the Universal Health Coverage programme despite ongoing criticism over system failures and delayed reimbursements.

    25 July 2026 · Capital News

Friday 24 July

  1. President Ruto launches Ksh.2B youth employment programme

    President William Ruto has launched the Next Generation of Kenya Youth Employment Programme, which will empower more than 100,000 young Kenyans over three years through private sector internships and training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, life skills, and workplace readiness, in partnership with UNDP and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance.

    24 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Government plans to convert failed maize into animal feed

    The government plans to convert failed maize crops into animal feed to help farmers recoup losses from depressed rainfall, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said. The administration is coordinating responses to reduced rainfall and preparing for El Niño rains expected later in the year.

    24 July 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 23 July

  1. Khalwale urges Ruto to scrap SHA, restore NHIF

    Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged President William Ruto to reconsider the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme and restore the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), arguing the President should apply the same reasoning behind his recent reversal of the university funding model.

    23 July 2026 · Capital News

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Kerugoya court suspends rice importation gazette notice

    The High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders suspending implementation of a contested gazette notice on rice importation, obtained by rice farmers in Kirinyaga County through Senator Kamau Murango's application. The court maintained the status quo before the impugned gazette notice No. 10061 of July 6, 2026 for seven days, with a hearing scheduled for July 28, 2026.

    22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 20 July

  1. Nyanza leaders urge Ruto to increase regional development, pledge 2027 support

    Nyanza leaders including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed have urged President William Ruto to initiate more development projects in the region to bolster his re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the President has demonstrated commitment to equitable development across the country.

    20 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 18 July

  1. ODM and UDA begin joint manifesto talks ahead of 2027 election

    The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have appointed five members each to a joint committee tasked with harmonising their policy priorities and crafting a common agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi urged the Luo community to support President William Ruto's re-election.

    18 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 17 July

  1. ID reforms removing barriers to govt services, PS says

    The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration says the Government's reforms to ease access to national identification documents are helping eliminate barriers to government services, development opportunities and democratic participation, following a presidential directive to issue ID documents to eligible Kenyans without unnecessary obstacles.

    17 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Government ID reforms remove barriers to services, PS says

    Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the Government's ongoing reforms to ease access to national identification documents are helping eliminate barriers that have long prevented many Kenyans from accessing government services, development opportunities and democratic participation. President William Ruto directed that all eligible Kenyans be issued with identification documents without unnecessary obstacles.

    17 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. US and Kenya sign $2.5 billion five-year health deal

    Kenya and the US have officially signed a cooperation framework valued at $2.5 billion (Sh325 billion) to support Kenya's attainment of Universal Health Coverage, signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi alongside US Chargé d'Affaires Susan Burns.

    17 July 2026 · The Standard

  4. PS defends ID card reforms as measure for inclusion

    Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said President Ruto has directed that all eligible Kenyans be issued with identification documents without unnecessary obstacles. Omollo stated the reform is aimed at removing barriers that have denied many Kenyans access to government services and economic opportunities.

    17 July 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 16 July

  1. Union petitions court to remove Kenya Pipeline Company board chair

    The Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union has filed a constitutional petition at the High Court seeking to remove Kenya Pipeline Company Board Chair Faith Bett Boinett, alleging her appointment breached the Constitution and the Government Owned Enterprises Act, 2025, and claiming she has a conflict of interest due to her shareholding in Fastnett Energy Limited, which has a transport and storage agreement with KPC.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Kenya, US sign five-year USD1.6 billion health cooperation agreement

    Kenya and the United States have signed a five-year health cooperation agreement worth approximately USD1.6 billion (Sh206 billion) to strengthen the country's healthcare system and advance Universal Health Coverage. The Strategic Objective Grant Agreement, signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi with a US delegation, establishes a framework to guide health cooperation, align US investments with Kenya's health priorities, and strengthen local institutions and infrastructure.

    15 July 2026 · Capital News

Saturday 11 July

  1. Treasury CS defends National Infrastructure Fund board appointments

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended appointments to the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) board, saying the selection process was transparent, competitive and merit-based, overseen by a seven-member independent panel comprising senior professionals from banking, legal and public sectors.

    11 July 2026 · Capital News

Friday 10 July

  1. Ruto directs Cabinet nationwide for NYOTA youth funds launch

    President William Ruto coordinated the second tranche of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) funds programme using a newsroom-style format, directing his Cabinet and senior officials from Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi as they reported on fund disbursements across Kenya.

    10 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 9 July

  1. Treasury CS Mbadi appoints six members to NIF Board

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has appointed six members to the National Infrastructure Fund Board for a three-year term effective July 8, 2026, under the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2026. The appointees include Centum CEO James Mworia Mwirigi, Fahima Ali Ahmed Zein, Christopher Kibui Maranga, Latoya Ouna, Lawrence Kibet, and Mohammed Abdirahman Hassan, selected from 78 applicants.

    9 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. KNEC settles overdue examiner pay after months of delays

    The Kenya National Examinations Council has paid outstanding marking allowances owed to examiners who handled the 2025 KJSEA and KCSE exams, after the National Treasury released Sh1.5 billion on July 7. The payment follows months of delays that sparked walkouts and boycott threats from more than 800 KCSE examiners who stopped marking in December.

    9 July 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Kenya enacts Sovereign Wealth Fund law modeled on Norway

    President William Ruto has signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026 into law, establishing a framework that will set aside 30 percent of revenue from Kenya's petroleum and mineral resources for future generations. The fund operates on three pillars: the Urithi Fund for future generations, a Stabilization Fund to serve as a buffer during crises, and the National Infrastructure Fund to finance strategic projects.

    8 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya signs Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill into law

    President William Ruto signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026 into law on Wednesday, July 8, creating a legal mechanism to save part of Kenya's oil, mineral and privatisation earnings while protecting the funds from political misuse and debt repayment. The law requires at least 30 per cent of resources channelled into the fund to be locked away for future generations and bars cash withdrawals within three months of a General Election unless the fund's board, Parliament and the auditor general approve.

    8 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 4 July

  1. Mbadi defends government's partial Safaricom stake sale

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government's partial sale of its Safaricom stake, saying it was lawful and transparent and intended to finance infrastructure rather than budget deficits. Mbadi rejected opposition criticism, stating the divestiture followed extensive public participation and parliamentary approval.

    4 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. Treasury CS Mbadi claims Mt. Kenya leaders unhappy with appointment

    Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi has claimed that some leaders from the Mt Kenya region are not happy since his appointment to the Treasury docket.

    4 July 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 2 July

  1. Treasury CS defends government, attributes Mt. Kenya grievances to Gachagua removal

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended President Ruto's administration, arguing that Mt. Kenya residents are no longer complaining about government performance but are instead aggrieved by the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. Speaking on Citizen TV, Mbadi defended the government's spending priorities in the Finance Bill 2026, saying Treasury has channelled resources to agriculture and other sectors affecting livelihoods.

    2 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 29 June

  1. President Ruto signs County Allocation of Revenue Bill into law

    President William Ruto has assented to the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2026, which allocates Ksh.428 billion to all 47 counties and operationalises the Division of Revenue Act, 2026. The allocation represents a Ksh.13 billion increase from the previous financial year and uses a formula based on equal share, population, poverty level, and geographical size.

    29 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Nyanza leaders defend alliance with President Ruto

    Leaders from Nyanza region, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, have defended the broad-based government arrangement between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, urging residents to embrace cooperation with the administration rather than return to opposition politics.

    29 June 2026 · Capital News

John Mbadi — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute