Mbadi Presents 2026/27 Budget, Highlights Expansion of Hustler Fund and MSME Support

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Thursday presented Kenya’s 2026/27 Budget Statement to Parliament, outlining measures aimed at expanding access to affordable credit, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and promoting youth entrepreneurship.

The budget is anchored on the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and was presented under the theme, “Sustaining the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda for Resilient and Inclusive Growth Amid Global Uncertainty”. Mbadi said the government remains focused on protecting livelihoods and sustaining economic growth despite continued uncertainty in the global economy.

Mbadi announced that the Hustler Fund, launched in 2022, has disbursed Sh87 billion to 28 million accounts. According to the Treasury, the programme has enabled 4.5 million Kenyans who had previously been blacklisted to establish a formal credit history. 

The government says the initiative is helping households and small businesses access regulated credit and expand economic opportunities. The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the Nyota Programme, which has provided Sh5.6 billion for training, mentorship and start-up capital. The programme has reached young entrepreneurs in all 1,450 wards across the country.

Mbadi said the measures form part of a broader effort to strengthen MSMEs, which account for a significant share of employment in Kenya. He told lawmakers that the government has focused on providing affordable credit, market access and shared infrastructure to businesses and young people operating at the grassroots level of the economy.

The budget presentation was the first since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Before delivering his statement, Mbadi asked Members of Parliament to observe a moment of silence in honour of Odinga, whom he described as a patriot and a champion of economic justice and democracy. Members later responded with chants of “Jowi, Jowi”.

During the session, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula addressed questions regarding President William Ruto’s absence. Ruto is on a state visit to Finland, where he is holding talks with President Alexander Stubb.

Wetang’ula said the President is not required by the Constitution or parliamentary procedure to attend the budget presentation, noting that it is a parliamentary function led by the Treasury. He added that presidents typically occupy the Speaker’s chair only during special joint sittings, including the State of the Nation Address.

The 2026/27 Budget Statement sets out the government’s spending and revenue priorities while reaffirming its focus on strengthening MSMEs, expanding financial inclusion and supporting youth-led enterprises. The government says these measures are intended to support economic resilience and inclusive growth amid continued volatility in global markets.