By Ebi Kesiena
The opposition coalition Azimio has criticized the 2024-25 budget, arguing that it fails to address the needs of Kenyans.
Azimio leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned that Kenyans should prepare for tough times ahead, citing a Sh23.6 billion increase in recurrent expenditure within the Executive branch.
“Despite the grandiose claims and elaborate figures in the 2024-25 Budget Estimate, it fails to stimulate economic activity. Instead, it imposes an additional tax burden of Sh24,000 on every adult Kenyan,” he stated.
Musyoka highlighted specific areas of increased expenditure, Office of the President (Sh1.2 billion), Office of the Deputy President (Sh678 million), Ministry of Defence (Sh11 billion), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sh1.4 billion), National Treasury (Sh6 billion), Ministry of Transport (Sh1.3 billion), Ministry of Cooperatives (Sh2 billion)
The opposition called on the international community, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens both locally and globally to stand with Kenyans in condemning the Kenya Kwanza administration’s disregard for public welfare.
“We demand swift action to hold those responsible for this breach of trust accountable and to advocate for a budget that prioritizes the needs and concerns of all Kenyans, not just the privileged few,” Musyoka urged.
He criticized Kenya Kwanza for successfully passing what he called a punitive budget, accusing it of failing to lead with honesty, fairness, and compassion.
“Kenyans deserve better, and we will continue to fight for their right to be heard and to receive the guidance they so richly deserve,” he added.
Musyoka noted that the budgetary allocations do not promote economic growth but rather betray the interests of Kenyans.
“This regime has hidden its true intentions of maintaining an oppressive, unequal system that benefits a select elite under the guise of progress,” he stated.
