News11 June 2026 - 11:55

[PHOTOS] Security beefed up at Treasury ahead of budget reading

Police officers deployed in large numbers across the Nairobi CBD

by PERPETUA ETYANG

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Security was heightened around the National Treasury building in Nairobi on Thursday morning ahead of the presentation of the 2026/27 national budget by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

Police officers were deployed in large numbers across the Nairobi CBD, with patrol teams seen moving around the Treasury area.

Some officers were armed with batons, while mounted units on horses were also spotted as part of the heightened security presence.

Police vehicles were stationed at strategic points across the city as authorities moved to secure the area.

Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo also arrived at the building ahead of the budget reading, joining other senior officials in final preparations for the presentation.

The heavy security deployment comes as Mbadi presents the 2026/27 national budget, a Sh4.84 trillion spending plan designed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and support key sectors of the economy.

The budget is being delivered at a time when many Kenyans continue to grapple with high cost of living pressures, unemployment challenges and rising prices of basic commodities, making it one of the most anticipated fiscal statements in recent years.

According to Treasury projections, the government expects to raise Sh3.67 trillion in revenue. This includes Sh2.9 trillion in ordinary revenue collections, Sh644 billion in Appropriations in Aid, and Sh44 billion in grants.

However, the spending plan leaves a projected budget deficit of about Sh1.2 trillion, which the government intends to finance through a mix of domestic and external borrowing.