National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has unveiled the roadmap for preparing Kenya’s 2027/28 budget, setting out key milestones that will guide the formulation of next year’s spending plans, the Finance Bill and public participation process.
Speaking during the FY2027/28 Medium-Term Budget Preparation Process at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, July 22, Mbadi said the roadmap would guide ministries, departments and agencies through the budget-making process ahead of the 2027/28 financial year.
He said the government had deliberately started the budget process ahead of the statutory deadlines to allow adequate time for scrutiny and public participation.
“We are launching this process well ahead of the statutory deadlines to allow for sufficient time for careful prioritization, rigorous scrutiny and meaningful engagement with stakeholders across the country,” Mbadi said.
CS Mbadi Unveils 2027/28 Budget Calendar
The calendar shows that the budget process began on July 10, 2026, with the issuance of the 2027/28 Budget Preparation Guidelines. The process was officially launched on July 22, 2026.
Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have until August 12, 2026, to submit baseline information that will inform the preparation of the national budget.
The calendar also schedules programme performance reviews, strategic plan assessments and project appraisals throughout July as the Treasury begins allocating resources for the next financial year.
Mbadi said beginning the process early would also ensure the budget remains on course despite the 2027 General Election.
“Because this administration has put value in public scrutiny, transparency and public engagement, the National Treasury saw it fit to start this process early to give us ample time for scrutiny and public debate around the 2027/28 budget,” he said.
He added that the early start would align the budget process with parliamentary timelines while safeguarding continuity in public financial management during the election period.
Public Hearings Scheduled for October
The Treasury has set October 12 to October 14, 2026, for public sector hearings, where citizens, businesses and other stakeholders will be given an opportunity to submit proposals before sector working groups finalize their budget estimates.
Sector reports are expected to be submitted to the National Treasury by October 20, followed by consultations with Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries on October 23.
Budget Policy Statement Due in November
The Treasury plans to finalize the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) by November 30, 2026.
This will be alongside the Division of Revenue Bill, the County Allocation of Revenue Bill and the County Governments’ Additional Allocation Bill.
The documents will first be presented to Cabinet before being tabled in Parliament.
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Finance Bill to Reach Parliament in January
Under the timetable, the Finance Bill 2027 will be submitted to Parliament on January 29, 2027, together with the national budget estimates.
Before then, ministries and state agencies are required to submit their budget proposals to the Treasury by December 30, 2026, allowing the Treasury to consolidate the national budget.
Parliament is expected to complete its review of the estimates by March 5, 2027, paving the way for the finalization of the Appropriation Bill.
Addressing accounting officers and government agencies, Mbadi urged them to ensure spending proposals are realistic and deliver value for money.
“Every sector submission must be grounded in a credible macroeconomic forecast and a transparent financing outlook. Proposals that respect the expenditure envelope and demonstrate strong economic and social returns will be most competitive for public financing,” he said.
He added that the government’s priority would be to direct limited public resources to programmes that generate the greatest economic returns while promoting inclusion and maintaining fiscal discipline.
Budget Statement
The Ministry has scheduled the reading of the 2027 Budget Statement for March 18, 2027.
According to the calendar, Parliament is expected to approve both the Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill by March 31, 2027.
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Pre-Election Fiscal Report
The calendar also includes the preparation of a Pre-Election Report, which is expected to be completed by April 30, 2027, before being submitted to Parliament on May 10, 2027.
The report is required under the Public Finance Management Act and provides an assessment of the country’s fiscal position, public debt and pending obligations ahead of a general election.
Mbadi said despite global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity prices, Kenya’s economy remains on course to maintain strong growth over the medium term.
He said the Treasury projects the economy to expand by at least 5.3 percent, supported by continued implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Fourth Medium-Term Plan.
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