They want public participation. When you do it, they ask how much has been used. I don’t know if they want the president to walk to Kisumu to publicise and launch the Nyota programme.”
His remarks were in reference to concerns raised about the cost of public events, including the launch of the Nyota programme in Kisumu.
Critics had questioned the expenses involved in organizing the event, arguing that government spending should be reduced, especially during tough economic times.
Mbadi, however, insisted that communication and public engagement are essential in a democracy.
He explained that government programmes cannot succeed if citizens are not informed about them.
According to him, public participation is not just a constitutional requirement but also a practical way to ensure projects meet the needs of the people.
He added that organizing national events involves logistics such as transport, security, venue preparation, and public awareness.
These, he said, naturally come with costs. “You cannot expect a national programme to be launched without proper planning and facilitation,” he explained.
The Treasury CS emphasized that while the government must be careful with public funds, it also has a duty to keep citizens informed.
He argued that criticism should be balanced and that leaders should not be faulted simply for carrying out their responsibilities.
At the same time, Mbadi acknowledged that Kenyans have a right to question how public money is spent.
He said scrutiny from the public helps keep leaders accountable and ensures resources are used wisely.
However, he maintained that it is unrealistic to expect large-scale national activities to happen without any expenditure.