Gov’t Spokesman Mwaura Debunks Finance Bill 2025 Claims, Highlights Progress on Taifa Care, Guaranteed Minimum Returns, and Kala-Azar Response
By Bruno Aero
Gov’t Spokesperson Clarifies Finance Bill Status, Highlights Key Gains in Healthcare, Agriculture, and Disease Control
The Government Spokesperson, Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, has dismissed widespread misinformation circulating online regarding the Finance Bill 2025, clarifying that no such bill has been proposed, drafted, or tabled in Parliament.
Speaking during a press briefing, Dr. Mwaura assured Kenyans that the 2025/26 Budget process is still ongoing, and any revenue-raising proposals such as the Finance Bill will only follow the release of the Draft Budget after April 30th.
“There is no Finance Bill 2025 anywhere in Parliament or government. Kenyans will be fully engaged in the process through public participation once a draft is officially submitted,” Dr. Mwaura affirmed.
He noted that the Budget Policy Statement (BPS)—currently the only major fiscal intervention—guides budgeting priorities across all levels of government. The 2025 BPS emphasizes fiscal consolidation, tax policy reforms, and efficient public spending, not increased taxes as falsely claimed.
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Empowering Farmers Through Guaranteed Minimum Returns
Reaffirming Kenya Kwanza’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Dr. Mwaura outlined the success of the Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) program, which is stabilizing farmer incomes through production-focused subsidies. Key highlights include:
Macadamia: Prices rose from Ksh 24 to Ksh 100/kg, positioning Kenya as a global leader.
Coffee: Average earnings increased to Ksh 130/kg, with direct M-Pesa payouts.
Milk: Farm gate prices increased from Ksh 37 to Ksh 50/litre.
Sugarcane: Returns rose from Ksh 4,500 to Ksh 5,300/ton.
Miraa: Grade One prices jumped from Ksh 700 to Ksh 1,300.
Avocado: Kenya became Africa’s top producer and exporter.
Tea & Leather: Value addition initiatives increased farmer earnings and created jobs.
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Taifa Care: Transforming Healthcare for All
Dr. Mwaura highlighted Taifa Care, formerly SHA, as Kenya’s most ambitious universal healthcare program to date, covering outpatient, inpatient, maternal, emergency, mental health, and chronic disease treatment. Since its rollout in October 2024:
Over 19 million Kenyans have enrolled, up from 8 million under NHIF—a 146% increase.
8.5 million Kenyans have accessed routine checkups.
331,265 referrals for diabetes and 711,172 for hypertension have been made.
ICU/HDU rates increased from Ksh 4,480 to Ksh 28,000.
Oncology coverage rose to Ksh 550,000 per patient.
> “Taifa Care is no longer a promise—it is a working reality for millions. We urge all Kenyans to register and enjoy full coverage,” he said.
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Swift Response to Kala-Azar Outbreak
Dr. Mwaura also addressed the Kala-Azar outbreak in Wajir, which has affected over 600 individuals and claimed 33 lives since September 2024. In response:
Three mobile labs have been deployed in Wajir West and Eldas.
A satellite blood bank with a new analyzer was launched.
Recovery rates now exceed new infections thanks to fast-tracked treatment and diagnostics.
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