Kenyans are growing increasingly frustrated with the harsh economic conditions gripping the country, and their anger is now directed at prominent politician John Mbadi. Citizens have taken to social media and public forums to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy, accusing officials of failing to address skyrocketing costs of living.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi when he held a public engagement with members of the Bunge la Wananchi at Jeevanjee Gardens Nairobi, yesterday. PHOTO/Samuel Kariuki
The rising cost of basic commodities such as food, fuel, and electricity has left many households struggling to make ends meet. Inflation has hit record highs, with prices for essential goods increasing by over 20% in the past year. Families are finding it harder to afford even the most basic necessities, and this has fueled widespread discontent.
Mbadi, who holds a senior position in government, has become a focal point for public outrage. Many citizens blame him and other leaders for failing to implement policies that could ease the economic burden on ordinary Kenyans. Protestors have accused the government of prioritising political interests over the welfare of its people.
In recent weeks, demonstrations have been held in major cities such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Protesters carried placards calling for accountability and chanting slogans demanding immediate action to alleviate economic hardships. The protests have drawn attention to the government’s perceived inability to manage inflation and provide relief to struggling families.
The economic crisis is affecting all sectors of society, but low-income families are bearing the brunt of it. Many are unable to afford basic goods like maize flour, which has doubled in price over the past year. Middle-class households are also feeling the pinch as their disposable incomes shrink due to rising costs.
Small business owners have reported declining sales as customers cut back on spending. Farmers, too, are struggling with increased costs of inputs such as fertilisers and fuel, making it harder for them to produce food at affordable prices. The ripple effects of this crisis are being felt across all 47 counties in Kenya.
The roots of Kenya’s current economic woes can be traced back to global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, local factors such as poor governance, corruption, and delayed policy interventions have exacerbated the situation.
The crisis worsened in late 2024 when inflation rates soared past 12%, driven by high fuel prices and a weakening Kenyan shilling. Despite warnings from economists about impending financial difficulties, the government failed to implement measures that could have cushioned citizens from these shocks.
The economic struggles are being felt nationwide but are particularly severe in urban areas like Nairobi and Kisumu. In these cities, residents face higher living costs due to inflated prices for housing, transport, and food.
Rural areas are not spared either. Farmers in regions such as Rift Valley and Western Kenya report that they can no longer afford agricultural inputs. This has led to reduced crop yields and further driven up food prices across the country.
The growing public anger towards Mbadi and other leaders underscores a deeper issue of mistrust between citizens and their government. Many Kenyans feel that their leaders are out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary people.
This discontent could have far-reaching implications for political stability in Kenya. Analysts warn that if the government does not take immediate steps to address these concerns, protests could escalate into widespread unrest. The situation also highlights systemic issues such as corruption and inefficiency in public administration.
Activists and civil society organisations are calling on Mbadi and other government officials to engage with citizens and provide tangible solutions to ease their economic burdens. Proposed measures include reducing taxes on essential goods, increasing subsidies for farmers, and implementing stricter controls on inflation.
Mbadi has acknowledged the public’s concerns but has yet to outline specific actions his office will take to address them. In a recent statement, he urged patience while promising that plans were underway to stabilise the economy. However, critics argue that these assurances lack urgency given the severity of the crisis.
This situation reflects broader challenges within Kenya’s governance framework. The disconnect between policymakers and citizens is widening as leaders fail to prioritise pressing issues like inflation and unemployment.
Economists suggest that long-term solutions must include structural reforms aimed at improving transparency in resource allocation and boosting local production capacity. Without these changes, Kenya risks falling into a cycle of recurring economic crises.
As Kenyans continue grappling with rising costs of living, their frustration with leaders like Mbadi is unlikely to subside anytime soon. The government must act swiftly to restore public confidence by addressing inflation and providing relief measures for struggling families.
Failure to do so could lead not only to prolonged protests but also deeper political instability at a time when Kenya can least afford it.