President William Ruto has set the stage for a massive government spending spree after assenting to the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, unlocking billions of shillings aimed at cushioning struggling sectors and silencing growing public discontent.
In a dramatic move at State House Nairobi, the President revealed a staggering allocation of KSh18 billion to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), in what insiders describe as a strategic move to calm rising tensions within the education sector. The funds will cover insurance shortfalls, long-delayed teacher promotions, and personal emoluments, a growing source of disquiet among educators.
The universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions were not left behind, with KSh16 billion and KSh8 billion respectively pumped into the struggling institutions as student unrest looms over underfunding and stalled reforms. In a subtle nod to the ongoing drought and hunger crisis, the President also unveiled KSh600 million for the School Feeding Programme.
In what appears to be a preemptive strike to avert a healthcare disaster, Ruto directed KSh1.5 billion towards reviving the scandal-ridden Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which has recently been on the brink of collapse. Another KSh3 billion was earmarked for the Primary Healthcare Fund, KSh3 billion for the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, and KSh1.5 billion for healthcare interns who have been threatening to down tools over unpaid dues.
The President’s signature on the Bill also released billions to the agricultural sector, with KSh6.6 billion set aside for subsidised fertiliser as the government fights to tame the soaring cost of food. The controversial County Aggregation and Industrial Parks project, accused by critics of being a cash cow, received KSh1.2 billion.
Other allocations include KSh3.7 billion to the Equalisation Fund, KSh370 million to settle the landless, and KSh1 billion to the multi-billion shilling Thwake Dam project — a move likely to spark debate in drought-hit Ukambani. The New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (New KCC) secured KSh700 million to mop up milk, amid cries from farmers over plummeting prices.
This bold financial injection comes as the country grapples with a biting economic crisis, ballooning public debt, and mounting public pressure on Ruto’s administration to deliver on his promises. With the 2027 elections slowly creeping onto the horizon, the President’s latest move is being seen by political analysts as both a gamble and a lifeline to shaky sectors critical to his re-election hopes.
As the dust settles, Kenyans are left wondering — is this a genuine push to fix the country or just another political stunt bankrolled by taxpayers?
Stay tuned to Channel 15 News for unfolding details and expert analysis.
