Kenya: Opposition Unveils 'People's Budget', Accuses Ruto Govt of Economic Mismanagement

Nairobi — Kenya's opposition coalition under the United Alternative Government banner has sharply criticised President William Ruto's administration ahead of the presentation of the 2026/2027 national budget, accusing the government of pursuing policies that are deepening the country's debt crisis and worsening the burden on ordinary citizens.

Speaking during a joint opposition address on Wednesday, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka unveiled what the coalition described as a "People's Budget" -- an alternative economic plan aimed at reducing the cost of living, improving public services and cutting reliance on borrowing.

Kalonzo said the government's proposed Ksh4.82 trillion budget reflects misplaced priorities and excessive expenditure at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with unemployment, high food prices and rising taxes.

The opposition leader was joined by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi and Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i.

According to the coalition, the government's projected revenue of Sh3.63 trillion falls significantly short of planned expenditure, leaving a budget deficit of more than Sh1 trillion that will have to be financed through additional borrowing.

Kalonzo warned that the growing debt burden risks placing future generations under severe financial pressure.

"The country is borrowing beyond its means while essential sectors continue to suffer from underfunding," he said.

The coalition particularly criticised the government's allocation towards debt repayment, arguing that the amount set aside for servicing loans now rivals or exceeds spending on critical sectors such as education.

Opposition leaders accused the government of failing to adequately finance free education programmes, claiming parents are increasingly being forced to cover costs that should be met by the State.

They pointed to funding shortfalls in Free Primary Education, Junior Secondary School and Free Day Secondary Education, insisting that access to education should remain fully supported by government funding.

The coalition also linked recent unrest and fire incidents in schools to what it described as neglect of student welfare, mental health services and safety infrastructure in learning institutions.

On healthcare, the opposition renewed attacks on the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming the programme has failed to deliver efficient healthcare services despite mandatory contributions by citizens.

Kalonzo described SHA as an expensive system that continues to face oper