Eve Mathai

Budget Coordinator Nairobi, Eastern & Central Regional Hub.
#PublicParticipation & #PublicFinance champion.
@BudgetTalkGlobal Founder

[Youth for Tax Justice Network @Youth_TJN]

Alongside @TheYouthCafe, we are co-hosting the Post-Seville Virtual Connect, a bold, youth-led response reclaiming civic space and reasserting youth power in the #FinancingforDevelopment (FfD) agenda.

- We’re taking stock of Sevilla.
- Reflecting on the quality of youth participation.
- Co-creating future pathways for real, structured youth engagement, i.e., locally, regionally, globally.

Join us this Friday - https://t.co/3PH4eB8HqS

[Lurit Yugusuk @LuritYugusuk]

Happy Friday and Happy New Month❗️

Just here to remind you that you should join us this afternoon ✅

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

6/🔍 Shocking Fact‼️

In FY 2025/26, Kenya will spend Ksh 39 million to refund pensions to the #UK Government for British civil servants who worked in Kenya before independence.

📜 This is based on legacy colonial-era agreements:🇬🇧🇰🇪

Lancaster House Agreements (1960–63) – set terms for Kenya’s independence, including obligations to protect British officers' pensions.

The Public Officers Agreement (POA) of 1963 formalized Kenya’s duty to refund pension costs for British officers.

Ex-Colonial Pension Agreement (CPA) of 1971 – affirmed continued pension payments and refund arrangements with the UK.

🕰️ Even 60+ years after independence, Kenya still pays for colonial commitments.

#BudgetTalkGlobal #KenyaBudget #CFSExplained #PostColonialDebt #FiscalJustice #BTG #Tech4Budgets #PFMKE

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

5/ Where else is our money going under #ConsolidatedFundServices (CFS)?

We’re spending Kshs. 239.63 Billion, that’s 11.2% of the total CFS (Kshs. 2.14 Trillion) on #pensions, #retirementsalaries & #allowances.

�� What is a pension? A regular payment made to public servants after retirement, meant to support them financially after they leave active service.

👇 Here’s how the Kshs. 239.63B is spent:

👵🏽 Kshs. 100.32 B - Ordinary pensions for retired civil servants, judges, MPs, teachers, etc.

🎖️ Kshs. 34.44 B- Public Service Superannuation Scheme (PSSS) for civil servants who now contribute towards their own retirement.

It is a contributory pension plan started in 2021 where public servants contribute 7.5% and the government adds 15% of basic salary, with benefits based on total contributions and years of service, mainly for those hired after January 2021 or who opted in.

💼 Kshs. 93.50 B - Commuted pensions, a one-time lump-sum paid to retirees (mainly hired before 2006) who give up part of their monthly pension for an upfront amount, then receive a reduced monthly pension for life.

🚟Kshs 6.50 B -Other pensions, include;
1. Accrued benefits for PSSS members who exit early,
2. Refunds of contributions to the Widows and Children Pension Scheme (WCPS), ex gratia payments, and
3. Pension refunds to the UK Government for expatriates who served in Kenya before independence.

👮🏽‍♂️ Kshs. 4.73 B - Salaries, allowances, gratuities, lump sum payments for uniformed officers and others.

📌 Remember, these are first-charge expenditures. They are paid before any public service or development projects.

🧓🏽 As our civil service grows older, these figures will keep rising unless reforms are introduced‼️

#BTG #BudgetTalkGlobal #KenyaBudget #FiscalJustice #KeBudget2025 #PFMKE #BudgetEstimates2025 #Tech4Budgets #PensionsKE

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

4/ 📊 Kenya will spend Kshs. 586.45 billion in FY 2025/26 to service external debt as follows:

💸 Kshs. 340.19B on redemption (paying back the principal)
💰 Kshs. 246.26B on interest

These debts are mainly in USD, making repayments even more expensive as the shilling weakens.

The beneficiaries of these payments are as follows: 👇

#BudgetTalkGlobal #BTG #KenyaBudget #CFSExplained #DebtCrisis #PFMKE #Tech4Budgets #FiscalJustice

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

2/ So, how did we end up here, with Kshs. 1.9 Trillion of our budget going to public debt? 🤔

It all starts with a #budgetdeficit, when the government spends more than it collects in revenue.

To fill this gap, the government borrows. But how and from where?

👇 A breakdown:

🔹 1. #DomesticPublicDebtObligation (Kshs. 1.31 Trillion)
That’s about 69% of the debt cost in FY 2025/26.
📌 Borrowed from local banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and investors in Treasury Bills (short-term) & Bonds (long-term).

📊 Breakdown:
Kshs. 851.42B – Interest payments
Kshs. 463.51B – Debt redemption (repaying principal)

🔸 2. #ExternalPublicDebtObligation (Kshs. 586.45 Billion)
That’s around 31% of the debt cost.
📌 Borrowed from outside Kenya: World Bank, IMF, China, AfDB, or through Eurobonds.

📊 Breakdown:
Kshs. 246.26B – Interest
Kshs. 340.19B – Debt redemption (Principal payment)

💵 External loans are in USD, and must be repaid in USD. This is risky! Every time the Kenya Shilling weakens, we must pay more to meet the same obligations.

📌 Some loans are #concessional: low interest and long repayment periods.
Others are #non-concessional (commercial loans), with high interest and short terms = more pressure on our budget.

🔥 In total, debt repayments in FY 2025/26 will cost Kshs. 1.9 Trillion. That’s 44.4% of the entire Kshs. 4.3 Trillion national budget.

Let that sink in ‼️
Almost half the budget is going to creditors.
Not services. Not development. Not the people.

🚨 NB: The #PublicDebtObligation (Interest and redemption) should not be confused with what the government should borrow to finance the #deficit for the incoming FY 2025/26!

#BTG #BudgetTalkGlobal #KenyaBudget #PublicDebt #DebtCrisis #PFMKE #KeBudget2025 #FiscalJustice #BudgetEstimates2025 #Tech4Budgets

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

1/ What is #ConsolidatedFundServices (CFS)? 🧾

CFS is the portion of Kenya’s national budget used to pay for mandatory, non-negotiable financial obligations.

‼️The government must pay these expenses first before funding schools, hospitals, roads, or social programs.

It includes:
💸 Public debt repayments (interest + principal)
👵🏾 Pensions for retired civil servants
👔 Salaries for retired top state officers (e.g. Presidents, Judges, MPs)

These payments are known as “first charge” on the budget.

They get paid automatically, no matter what.

📌 That’s why citizens MUST understand where public money goes, even before it reaches public services.

#BTG #BudgetTalkGlobal #KenyaBudget #FiscalJustice #Tech4Budgets #PFMKE #KeBudget2025 #BudgetEstimates2025

[Eve Mathai @MsMathai]

🚨 The Draft Budget Estimates 2025/26 are out & public participation is open!

📌 A massive chunk—Kshs 2.14 Trillion (44% of the total Kshs 4.3T budget)—is going to Consolidated Fund Services (CFS).

What's in store? 🧵
#BudgetTalkGlobal #KenyaBudget #FiscalJustice #BTG #PFMKE

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🧵THREAD: Where is our money going?

Let’s unpack the Kshs. 2.14 Trillion under #ConsolidatedFundServices (CFS) in Kenya’s 2025/26 budget.

💡 Out of a total Kshs. 4.3 Trillion national budget, nearly 50% (precisely 49.8%) is going to CFS!

Why should YOU care?

#BTG #BudgetTalkGlobal #KenyaBudget #FiscalJustice #Tech4Budgets #PFMKE #KeBudget2025 #BudgetEstimates2025

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

Happy Labour Day!
At Budget Talk Global, we celebrate workers everywhere by pushing for inclusive and citizen-centered public budgets,driven by tech and innovative solutions.Because every worker deserves a say in how public money works for them.
#Tech4Budgets
#LabourDay
#PublicFinance
#InclusiveBudgets
#SDG8

[Eve Mathai @MsMathai]

When govt bodies like #NEA & #KAPEA dodge accountability for recruitment scams, where do job-seeking youth turn? #victimblaming
The focus of these government agencies should be on creating local jobs, not exporting labour. There's a lot of potential for growth & expansion. #JKL

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🌱 Don't miss this critical conversation at the #PFMVillage!

We're diving deep into how public finance can drive #sustainableAgriculture & #climateresilience in Kenya🇰🇪!

🌍This is our chance to explore impactful strategies that ensure food security while safeguarding our planet's future.

Join us and be part of the change!

Featuring an expert lineup
🔶 Panelists: @marynjerikaranu @MsMathai, Nyangori Ohenjo, Sande O. Erick & Andrew Letting @TIKenya

🔶 Moderator: Sheila Lyona @c4716444e2524b7

Scan the code to download the session paper.

#PDFestival #BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #FormNiDialogue #PFM4Change #PFM #GovTech #BudgetTalkGlobal #FiscalFuture #PDFestival2025 #PFMVillage2025 #HealthForAll #PDFestival2025 #FiscalResilience #PDFestival2025

#SustainableAgriculture #PDFestival2025

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🏛️ It's time for counties to break free from dependency & strengthen their fiscal resilience!

By boosting own source revenue & tackling pending bills, we can empower local governments to effectively serve their communities.

Join us at the #PFMVillage to discuss vital strategies for sustainable local governance!🚀

Featuring an expert lineup

🔶Panelists: @j2mutua @KipkorirBiegon FCPA Stephen Masha, Elijah Bonyo & Jane Githui.

🔶Moderator: @faithanne_k

Scan the code to download the session paper.

#PDFestival #BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #FormNiDialogue #PFM4Change #PFM #GovTech #BudgetTalkGlobal #FiscalFuture #PDFestival2025 #PFMVillage2025 #HealthForAll #PDFestival2025
#FiscalResilience #PDFestival2025

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🩺How do we ensure that health policies lead to improved services for all Kenyans?

It's time to explore the vital link between financing & effective health reforms.

Join the conversation at the #PFMVillage & let’s shape a healthier future together! 🌍✨

Featuring an expert lineup:

🔶Panelists: @NellieChepkemoi @Ree_atuma @JKagosh
Alexander Riithi @TISAKenya & @mulwa_valentine @wecarecbo

🔶Moderator: @NelsonChapter

Scan the code to download the session paper.

#PDFestival #BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #FormNiDialogue #PFM4Change #PFM #GovTech #BudgetTalkGlobal #FiscalFuture #PDFestival2025 #PFMVillage2025 #HealthForAll #PDFestival2025

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

Are you a member of a political party, or are you party-less?🤔
Do you know that political parties hold immense power to influence the decision-making process on PFM issues? 🛣️👩🏽‍⚕️👮🏼‍♀️🧑🏽‍🏫🧑🏼‍🦽🌳🚘💻

Join us at the #PFMVillage on Day 1: Session 4: for an impactful conversation on "Political parties as PFM drivers at @thePDFestival ." 🌟✨💧

🔶 Panelists:
@Brantadex
@BeckieKiai
@MwiteTony
@MarvinWamukota
@RuthAmbogo
@kaggai_Joe

🔶Moderator:
@IsaacWKinyua

Scan the code to download the session paper!
#PDFestival
#BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #FormNiDialogue #PFM4Change #PFM #GovTech #BudgetTalkGlobal
#FiscalFuture #PDFestival2025 #PFMVillage2025
@K24Tv @PeopleDailyKe

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🌟 Exciting things are happening at the #PFMVillage at the @PDFestival!

Join us for Session one, where we'll kick off with opening remarks followed by an inspiring keynote speech.

Don’t miss the chance to engage with key experts leading the conversation on public finance management! 💬

#PDFestival #BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #FormNiDialogue #PFM4Change #PFM #GovTech #BudgetTalkGlobal #FiscalFuture #PDFestival2025
#PublicFinance #PDFestival2025

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

Are you ready for the #PFMVillage2025?

From Public budgets to Public Benefits.

Click the link below by @PeopleDailyKe to read more about the village. 👇👇

https://t.co/2dTq3cXfWz (Pg. 8)

#FormNiDialogue
#PDFestival2025
#PFMVillage
#BTG
#Tech4Budgets
#TubongeBudgets
#PFM
#GovTech
#BudgetTalkGlobal
#PFM4Change

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

📢 The #PFMvillage presents an exciting discussion at the #PDFestival!

Join us for Day 1, Session 2: "Balancing the books: The nexus between taxation, public debt, and service delivery in Kenya's fiscal consolidation plan!" 🤓💰

Featuring an expert lineup:
🔹 Panelists: @IEAKwame @CubaNgondi @TobiasAlando @LennWanyama
🔹 Moderator: @jkinuthia08

Want the scoop on why this topic matters? 🤔

Scan the code to download the session paper!

Let’s crunch some numbers together! 📊🔍

#PDFestival
#BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #FormNiDialogue #PFM4Change #PFM #GovTech #BudgetTalkGlobal
#FiscalFuture #PDFestival2025

[Eve Mathai @MsMathai]

This year at @thePDFestival, a #PFMvillage has been born!

🎉 Welcome to a dedicated space for #PublicFinance discussions, aimed at bridging the gap between key stakeholders & citizens to drive sustainable dev in 🇰🇪

Let’s explore solutions & tackle the challenges facing PFM!

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🌟 Have you been wondering how we can ensure equitable resource allocation in the budget🇰🇪?

Join us at the @thePDFestival for the dynamic #PFMVillage, where we’ve curated engaging sessions with key stakeholders dedicated to sustainable development.

These discussions will dive deep into this question and more, shaping the future of our #PublicFinance!

Don't miss out on being part of this impactful dialogue! 🚀✨

#FormNiDialogue #PDFestival2025 #BTG #Tech4Budgets #TubongeBudgets #PDFestival

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

BTG, in collaboration with @TISAKenya , conducted a reconnaissance visit to Uhuru Park in preparation for the setup of the PFM Village. The #PFMVillage will be a platform for impactful conversations on public finance, bringing together state and non-state actors to discuss PFM issues related to
- taxation
- public debt
- tax policies and revenue administration reforms
- role of non-state actors in PFM
- transparency, accountability
- access to information, equity, and inclusivity etc.
#FormNiDialogue
#PDFestival2025
#PFMVillage
#BTG
#Tech4Budgets
#TubongeBudgets

Stay tuned for more updates!

[Budget Talk Global (BTG) @BudgeTalkGlobal]

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

BTG and @CMDKenya are thrilled to announce our partnership to host the first-ever #PFMVillage at the @thePDFestival 2025! 🎉

Join us for an interactive experience where you can:

- Engage in discussions about public finance management and governance.
- Network with experts, practitioners, and community leaders.
- Participate in workshops and sessions designed to empower citizens and enhance transparency.
- Learn about innovative approaches to fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Mark the dates; 5th-8th March 2025, at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the movement for better governance and financial management.

We look forward to seeing you there! 🤝💬

#FormNiDialogue
#BTG
#TubongeBudgets
#Tech4Budgets
#PDFfestival2025