“We Tried to Ease the Pain”: Mbadi Admits Hard Economic Truth as Kenyans Struggle Between Two Worlds

Kenya’s economic reality has once again been laid bare in stark and uncomfortable terms, after National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged what many citizens have been feeling for months: Kenyans are actively trying to reduce their financial burden, but the system offers limited room for relief.

His remarks paint a picture of a country caught between two worlds—one where government reforms are aimed at stabilising the economy, and another where ordinary households are struggling daily to survive rising costs, shrinking incomes, and mounting taxes.

Speaking in a recent policy engagement, Mbadi did not sugarcoat the situation. He admitted that Kenyans have adjusted their spending habits in response to tough economic conditions, cutting down on non-essential purchases and prioritising basic needs. But even these sacrifices, he suggested, are not enough to offset the pressure of a strained economy.