THE WHISPERS OF THE BUDGET: A KENYAN TALE

The announcement of the 2025/2026 budget sent ripples across Kenya, each wave carrying a unique perspective and a set of expectations. The Treasury’s proclamation of “the best budget ever” was met with a chorus of responses, a mix of anticipation, apprehension, and a pragmatic ‘wait and see’ attitude. The story of the budget, however, is not a simple narrative of figures and forecasts; it is a complex tale of a nation, its people, and their hopes for the future.

In the heart of the bustling markets, the budget’s impact is measured in shillings and cents. The price of essential goods like maize flour, cooking oil, and vegetables is the daily concern. The expectation of the common citizens is the reduction of the prices of the goods.

The promise of economic growth is met with the practical question,

“would these gains trickle down to the ordinary citizen?” The traders, the backbone of the economy, were keenly watching the movements of the shilling, the cost of imports, and the potential impact of new taxes. Their livelihoods, and those of countless families, are directly tied to the budget’s immediate effects. The whispers in the market are of survival, of making ends meet, and of hoping for a break.

The matatu conductors, the boda boda persons, ‘mama mboga’, those unsung heroes of daily commutes, have their own concerns. Fuel prices, the lifeblood of their trade, and the cost of spare parts are crucial. Any changes in these areas could directly affect fares, impacting both their earnings and the wallets of their passengers.

The infrastructure development plans are welcome, but the immediate concern is always the next trip, the next passenger, and the ability to navigate the city’s congested roads. Their whispers speak of navigating the daily grind and hoping for a smoother ride.

The younger generation, digital natives, and active on social media, have voiced their concerns about job creation, the future of the economy, and the need for sustainable development. Their whispers are about building a better tomorrow, about ensuring opportunities for the next generation.

Across the country, the debate is not just about the numbers but also about the values and the visions of the country. It is about how the budget will affect the lives of ordinary Kenyans, from the farmer in the countryside to the entrepreneur in the city. The budget is a reflection of the nation’s priorities, its challenges, and its aspirations. It is a collective conversation, a dialogue about the future, and a reminder that the success of any budget depends not only on its figures but also on the spirit of the people it serves. The whispers continue, a chorus of voices hoping for a brighter future. Citizens are hoping for a better life than the way it is currently.

By: BONFACE SISO.

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.