Fred Matiang’i has pledged to slash the State House budget by 80 percent if elected President, arguing that the current allocation reflects what he described as historic wastage of public resources.
The Jubilee Party presidential flagbearer made the remarks during a church service at Weithaga ACK Church, where he criticized the growing budgetary allocation to the presidency.
Criticism of State House Budget
Matiang’i questioned the rationale behind allocating billions of shillings to State House Nairobi, saying the funds could instead be directed to key public sectors such as health and education.
“We are suffering from historic wastage of public resources, unprecedented. I have never seen things like this we are seeing. They say this year’s budget allocates KSh 17 billion to State House,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary expressed concern that the presidency appears to be receiving more funding than critical national institutions.
Comparison with Major Referral Hospital
While addressing congregants, Matiang’i questioned why Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital would receive less funding compared to State House.
“I am asking myself this: How can the State House need more money than Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital? State House is not a referral hospital; there is no surgery being done there, no babies are being born there, and no kidney transplant done at State House. Why do you need KSh 17 billion?” he posed.
He argued that the country cannot justify expanding the State House budget while key sectors continue to struggle with limited resources.
Promise to Redirect Funds
Matiang’i said that if elected president, he would drastically reduce the State House allocation and redirect the savings to essential public services.
According to him, the move would free billions of shillings for sectors that directly benefit ordinary citizens.
“This is when I say… give me that job and see. I will cut that budget by 80%. KSh 7 billion will go to education, KSh 7 billion to the health sector. State House will remain with KSh 3 billion and I might even return a billion by the end of the year,” he stated.
Claims Over 2027 Election Spending
The presidential hopeful also alleged that the increased budget allocation could be used to facilitate bribery ahead of the 2027 General Election, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Opposition Unity
Matiang’i also dismissed reports suggesting divisions within the United Opposition, saying critics have underestimated the ability of opposition leaders to work together.
“They are shaking, they have tried to divide us… they were thinking that we would never work together. I have bad news for you. We are going to work together,” he said.
His remarks come as political alliances begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition leaders seeking to consolidate support across the country.
