Header and navigation menu

Page content

When Budgets Shape Democracy: Kenya’s 2025/26 Fiscal Choices and the Future of Civic Space

In developing democracies like Kenya, public financing is especially important in determining democratic resilience. The allocation and administration of public resources have an impact on both economic growth and vibrancy of the civic space, which is essential for democratic governance. As the implementation of budget for the Financial Year 2025/26 enters the third quarter, the choices that policy makers made will be very crucial in determining how inclusive and participatory governance remains in the face of mounting fiscal pressure and political contestations .The decisions that government takes with regard to debt sustainability, revenue mobilization and spending priorities will have an impact on civil society organizations, media freedom, and public engagement which are key pillars of democratic governance. […]