PS MEETING WITH THE DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING TO CONSIDER THE 2026 BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Planning (SDEP), Dr. Bonface Makokha today 19th February, 2026 appeared before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning at Bunge Towers.

The purpose of the meeting was to give the State Department a chance to present a detailed Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the fiscal year 2026 highlighting its programmes, activities and commitments derived from its mandate which is anchored on the Executive order No.1 of 2025.

During the meeting, Dr.Makokha outlined at length the budget projection for 2026 , with key focus on expenditure ceilings, Indicative Performance for budgetary allocation for 2026/27 FY and Medium Term Plan.

In addition, the PS also listed proposed programmes,projects and respective expenditure allocations.

He also included all programmes and projects and activities that were not accommodated within the proposed ceilings, emerging issues, challenges and recommendations.

The PS strongly put up an appeal as to why the SDEP should be well-funded stating that, "It acts as the central mechanism for directing the country's resources towards planning for sustainable growth, rather than allowing the economy to simply react to external forces."

Adequate funding ensures strategic and long-term goals such as, infrastructure development, job creation, health care, poverty reduction and improved living standards.

Present during the meeting were; the Chair of the Parliamentary Finance and National Planning Committee , who is also a Member of Parliament for Molo Constituency, Hon. Kimani Kuria, the Economic Planning Director General Dr.Masini Ichwara, heads of SAGAs among other senior officials.