Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura Defends Finance Bill, Highlights Education Funding, Tax Relief and Major South Africa Trade Deals
Nairobi, Kenya – Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has urged Kenyans to closely follow this week's budget presentation, saying it will outline the government's priorities for the 2026/27 financial year and demonstrate its commitment to economic growth, education, healthcare, agriculture and job creation.
Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee Annex in Nairobi on Monday, Mwaura described the national budget as more than a financial statement, saying it serves as a roadmap for the country's development agenda and reveals how public resources will be allocated to improve the lives of citizens.
Among the key highlights, Mwaura said education will continue receiving the largest share of government spending, with allocations directed towards teacher recruitment, expansion of learning facilities, implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and increased access to higher education. He added that the government has expanded the number of quality assurance officers to strengthen oversight and improve learning outcomes across schools.
The spokesman also addressed the recent rise in school unrest, describing the wave of student strikes and incidents of arson as a national concern. He called on parents, teachers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to work together in addressing indiscipline, substance abuse, negative peer influence and other social challenges affecting young people.
Mwaura further assured families affected by the recent Utumishi Girls Academy tragedy of continued government support, saying authorities are assisting survivors, supporting bereaved families and conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On the Finance Bill, the government cautioned Kenyans against misinformation circulating on social media, insisting that several claims being shared online do not accurately reflect the contents of the proposed legislation. Mwaura encouraged citizens to participate in ongoing public consultations and submit their views before Parliament concludes its deliberations.
He defended proposed tax reforms contained in the Finance Bill, arguing that they are designed to attract investment, create jobs and simplify tax compliance. According to Mwaura, a more competitive business environment will stimulate economic activity and provide opportunities for young people entering the labour market.
The government is also proposing measures to reduce the cost of living, including the removal of VAT on dialysis services and a reduction in excise duty on bottled water. Mwaura said the tax relief measures are intended to lower healthcare costs for kidney patients and make safe drinking water more affordable for households.
At the same time, the government plans to strengthen regulation of the scrap metal industry to curb vandalism of public infrastructure, including electricity installations, railway equipment, road signs and water systems, which continue to cost taxpayers billions of shillings annually.
On agriculture, Mwaura announced that billions of shillings have been allocated to fertilizer subsidies to support farmers, lower production costs and boost food security. He said the programme is expected to increase farm productivity while cushioning consumers from rising food prices.
The spokesman also highlighted the outcomes of President William Ruto's recent state visit to South Africa, saying the trip yielded significant agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment, skills development and regional integration. He noted that Kenyan farmers, manufacturers and exporters stand to benefit from improved market access for products such as tea, coffee, horticultural produce and manufactured goods.
Mwaura said Kenya and South Africa have also agreed to deepen cooperation in technical education, research, innovation and cultural exchange, including efforts to promote Kiswahili as a language of African unity and integration.
On public health, the government assured Kenyans that it has heightened preparedness against Ebola outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries. Mwaura revealed that more than 77,000 travellers have been screened at border points and entry routes, while surveillance systems, laboratory capacity and rapid response teams have been strengthened nationwide.
He added that although no Ebola case has been reported in Kenya, 37 individuals are currently under quarantine and are being closely monitored as part of precautionary measures.
Mwaura maintained that the government remains focused on strengthening service delivery, protecting public health, supporting economic growth and ensuring that public investments translate into meaningful benefits for all Kenyans.
