The government has revised its 2024/2025 budget, increasing allocations to education, security, and infrastructure in what appears to be a move to boost national development and economic stability. These changes are outlined in the supplementary budget estimates, the first under Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, tabled in the National Assembly on February 18.

The education sector is the top beneficiary, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) receiving an additional KSh18.5 billion to facilitate the hiring of more teachers, a key pledge of the Kenya Kwanza administration. The State Department for Higher Education and Research has been allocated an extra KSh15.4 billion, increasing its total budget to KSh135.9 billion. Meanwhile, basic education funding has grown by KSh7.5 billion.

According to the budget estimates, the National Police Service will receive an additional KSh6.3 billion, bringing its total allocation to KSh114.9 billion. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence has secured an extra KSh6.7 billion, signalling increased focus on national security. The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has also seen its budget rise by KSh9.2 billion.

The State Department for Roads has been allocated an extra KSh6 billion, pushing its budget to KSh198 billion, as the government seeks to underscore its commitment to transport and infrastructure development.

Conversely, some departments have faced budget cuts. Transport and housing sectors are among those hit with budget cuts, with the State Department for Housing & Urban Development experiencing a reduction of KSh11.5 billion, likely due to the reallocation of resources.

The State Department for ICT & Digital Economy saw a reduction of KSh7.8 billion, bringing its budget down to KSh12.1 billion, which could impact Kenya’s digital transformation initiatives. The energy sector also experienced a budget cut of KSh7.6 billion which is expected to affect potential investments in renewable energy and other power projects.

The State Department for Livestock Development’s budget has been slashed by KSh2 billion at a time when the government has been talking about enhancing the value chain in the sector. Also affected by budget cuts are the State Department of Devolution and the National Treasury at KSh1.1 billion and KSh3.5 billion, respectively.

The total voted expenditure for the financial year now stands at KSh2.31 trillion, reflecting an increase of KSh85.8 billion in overall spending. The shifts in allocations indicate a government balancing national priorities while managing fiscal constraints.