Mombasa: Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, has called upon Kenyans, particularly those from Generation Z, to support the government's efforts to revitalize the nation's struggling economy. He emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the economic challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, CS Mbadi highlighted the resilience of the economy and urged patience among Kenyans, while also stressing the need for their active participation in governmental plans. Speaking at a public engagement forum with the youth and Bunge la Wananchi at Swahili Port Hub in Mombasa County, Mbadi outlined the necessity for the economy to achieve a 7 percent growth rate to generate more jobs, noting the current rate stands at 4.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent in 2023.

He attributed the managed inflation rate of 3.5 percent to a decline in agricultural investment and favorable weather. Mbadi also mentioned the slight reduction in electricity costs and assured that the country's reserves are sufficient to cover imports for 4 to 7 months.

Addressing the budget process, Mbadi encouraged Kenyan Gen Zs to engage with the government by asking questions to understand better, promising that he would personally respond. He emphasized the government's commitment to consulting the public before making significant decisions, aligning the budget with the ruling government's manifesto and the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) pillars, which include agricultural transformation, micro, small, and medium-enterprise economies, healthcare, housing and settlement, and the digital superhighway and creative industry.

Mbadi acknowledged the unsustainable debt levels the country had reached, sharing that the government intervened to rectify the situation. He presented the breakdown of the country's Sh11.02 trillion debt, highlighting the need for public involvement to address this issue, as taxing the populace was not a viable solution.

He proposed nationwide consultations in all 47 counties before the publication of the Finance Bill 2025, where Kenyans can discuss their concerns directly with the Treasury CS. Mbadi urged citizens to utilize this opportunity for consultation to voice their opinions, as the government aims to improve tax administration and protect public interests.

Mbadi concluded by reiterating the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve Kenyans' financial well-being through key fiscal and economic policies.