National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has asked the Gen Zs to familiarise themselves with the budget estimates and the Finance Bill 2025, in order to understand what the financial year will look like.

Mbadi told the young people, in an interactive session with them on Friday, that the bill was progressive and would help the economy grow without unnecessarily burdening Kenyans.

"Before muanguke na hii Finance Bill 2025 yangu, nataka muielewe kwanza,” he said as he impressed upon his audience the importance of the national budget beyond just planning the country’s balance sheet.

"The budget is a nation-building tool. It is a strategic plan that allocates responsive resources to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security — all of which are essential for the country’s socio-economic development,” said Mbadi.

The CS also defended the government’s budgetary allocation to the security sector, saying it was the backbone of an economically sound government.

"Investments in national security are vital for creating a stable environment for enjoying all other economic and social considerations. It makes them attract investment, promotes tourism, and facilitates the smooth operation of businesses. By ensuring safety and stability, security measures contribute to building investor confidence and enabling economic activities across various sectors,” he stated.

At the same time, he sought to explain the difference between the budget and the Finance Bill.

"The budget can never increase the cost of bread because what can increase the cost of bread is the Finance Bill,” he explained.

This clarification aimed to dispel misconceptions about the sources of price changes in essential commodities.

Throughout the session, CS Mbadi highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the budgeting process.

By engaging directly with the youth, the Treasury seeks to build trust in a government and process that sparked widespread protests last year — protests that culminated in the invasion of Parliament and the deaths of more than 50 Kenyans.