Budget 2026/27: CS Mbadi Directs Sh20 Billion to Kenya Youth Jobs

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stood before the National Assembly on 11 June 2026 and tabled a 2026/27 budget directing more than Sh20 billion in direct spending toward youth employment and skills development. The package includes Sh12.5 billion to the National Youth Service, Sh4.9 billion to NYOTA, Sh1.6 billion to the Youth Employment Support Programme, Sh1 billion to Film Development Services, and Sh58.49 billion to TVET.

Key Allocations

CS Mbadi told MPs the TVET allocation is projected to double enrolment from the current 825,000 trainees to 2 million by 2028, with new institutions earmarked for Garissa, Isiolo, and Lamu counties. "We are building a generation that works with both its hands and its mind," Mbadi said.

What Comes Next

The National Youth Service is expected to open applications for its 2026/27 intake by 1 August 2026, with training commencing at 28 centres across all 47 counties.