Mzalendo Trust Pushes for Transparency in Public Finance and Debt Awareness

Mzalendo Trust, in collaboration with TISA Kenya and Bajeti Hub, has launched an initiative titled "Active Citizens and Independent Public Institutions Reclaiming Kenya's Public Finance Oversight." 

The project aims to improve citizen access to information on public finance management and safeguard the role of independent institutions in ensuring checks and balances on government functions. By enhancing democracy and accountability through public engagement and oversight, the initiative seeks to empower citizens and protect their financial interests.

At a recent event in Kakamega County focused on public debt awareness, Gitungu Wamere, Mzalendo’s Program Coordinator, highlighted the challenges Kenyans face in accessing information about the country's debt. This lack of transparency has led the government to initiate a national public awareness campaign.

Participants during the session 

"Today in Kakamega, we aimed to educate residents on Kenya’s debt status and how national debt impacts their lives and the economy," Wamere stated. 

"We are urging the government to ensure transparency in debt acquisition, inform citizens about debt utilization, and clarify the repayment terms."

Wamere expressed concerns over the government's limited engagement with the public regarding debt-related decisions, which has led to a growing burden on taxpayers.

"A significant portion of our national revenue is dedicated to debt repayment, affecting most government departments. We want to increase public awareness of Kenya’s debt, as we have observed that citizens are largely excluded from the borrowing process. Most government documents related to debt are not publicly accessible. Although there has been recent publication of debt figures, transparency remains insufficient,” he noted.

He further emphasized the importance of regular public updates on the country’s debt status and urged the National Assembly's committee on debt and privatisation to involve citizens in decision-making processes that impact public finances.

"The Kenyan Constitution allocates 2% of the national budget for public engagement, enabling citizens to participate actively in governance," Wamere added, referencing the 2010 Constitution’s commitment to inclusive leadership.

Echoing Wamere’s sentiments, Edward Wambani, Chair of the Kakamega County Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), called on the government to prioritize transparency in county financial matters.

"We are here to discuss the current state of the national debt, which stands at KSh 11.1 trillion. This debt has severely impacted our economy. The government must openly inform citizens about the debt’s repayment timeline, as it directly affects taxpayers,” Wambani stated.

He added, "We urge the government to focus on three priorities: reducing poverty, enhancing government services, and creating employment opportunities. These areas are critical, especially as citizens bear the brunt of the debt burden."

The initiative is currently active in six counties: Kakamega, Makueni, Nandi, Nairobi, Machakos, and Elgeyo Marakwet, aiming to foster citizen participation and demand accountability at both national and local levels.