2025/26 Budget: CS Mbadi Earmarks Billions For Health In Response To U.S. Drug Supply Ban
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has unveiled a health-focused national budget for 2025/2026, signaling a shift in priorities following international funding uncertainties. In Parliament today, Mbadi announced increased funding for the fight against major diseases and expanded immunization efforts.
“To lower cases of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis, and enhance vaccines and immunization programs in the country, I have proposed Kshs. 17.3B for the Global Fund and Kshs. 4.6B for vaccines,” said Mbadi.
The proposal comes just months after the U.S. government halted the supply of HIV drugs to Kenya—a move that exposed the country’s overdependence on external donors and placed thousands of patients at risk.
Compared to last year’s budget, the new proposal marks a significant increase. Former Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u had allocated Ksh 11.2 billion to the Global Fund and Ksh 3.1 billion for vaccines. That budget drew heavy criticism from civil society and healthcare unions, with many accusing the government of underfunding the sector during a time of crisis.
Mbadi also addressed the issue of pending bills that have plagued government operations. “The committee has received 65,625 claims valued at Ksh 571.6 billion. So far, 57% worth Ksh 522 billion have been analyzed. Out of these, Ksh 229 billion is recommended for settlement,” he said.
Kenyans will now be watching closely to see if these pledges lead to real change.
BY BARAKA SIMBA
PHOTO: CS MBADI (FACEBOOK)
Tags: Health Ministry Of Health Usaid
