Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has weighed in on the latest economic report highlighted by The Standard, arguing that government policy decisions have significantly contributed to the country’s slowing economic growth.
The report indicated that Kenya’s economy has slowed to about 4.6 percent, with several key sectors recording reduced performance amid rising cost pressures and weakening job creation.
Responding to the findings, Salasya said the slowdown cannot be viewed in isolation, blaming what he termed as prolonged disruptions in government procurement processes and stalled budget implementation at both national and county levels.
“This has been contributed largely by EGP. How can government stop procurement for 11 months and expect the growth of the economy? Up to today counties, ministries, government agencies and even CDF are still unable to implement the 2025/2026 financial budget,” Salasya said.
He further argued that delayed public spending has slowed down economic activity, especially in sectors that rely heavily on government contracts and infrastructure development.
Salasya also questioned the effectiveness of flagship government programmes in stimulating economic growth, stating that initiatives such as affordable housing, markets, and student hostels were not enough to drive meaningful expansion in the current environment.
“How can you put a country into a recession and expect growth? Affordable housing, markets and hostels cannot move this country forward,” he added.
The legislator also referenced remarks attributed to Kapseret MP Oscar Kipchumba Sudi, suggesting that concerns over budget execution and economic management are not isolated voices but part of a broader political conversation.
The latest data, as reported by the newspaper, shows that agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and service sectors have all recorded slower growth.
Inflationary pressures, high fuel prices, and reduced consumer spending have further strained households.