Wetang’ula Defends Ruto’s Absence During Sh4.8 Trillion Budget Reading - June 2026

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has defended President William Ruto's absence during the 2026-2027 budget reading. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, upheld a long-standing tradition associated with Budget Day in Parliament while presenting the budget. The Kenyan National Treasury unveiled a Ksh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, with the government aiming to raise over Ksh3.63 trillion. Mbadi also announced the government is seeking loans totaling Sh1.2 trillion to bridge a significant budget deficit. The Treasury CS revealed that only 3.1 million working Kenyans currently contribute to the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax system.