Kenya is advancing plans to establish a Public Debt Register to improve transparency and oversight of government borrowing, which has reached Sh12.82 trillion.

The proposal was supported by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, during a session before the Public Petitions Committee chaired by Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba. Nyakang’o recommended implementing the register through amendments to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, rather than introducing new legislation.

The initiative responds to concerns raised in Public Petition No. 10 of 2026, submitted by Beatrice Waiyaki and allied civil society groups. The petition highlighted the need for stronger parliamentary oversight, enhanced public access to debt information, and better governance of public debt.

Key Points from the Controller of Budget

  • Nyakang’o emphasized assigning clear legal responsibility to the National Treasury for maintaining the register.
  • She advocated simplifying public finance reports to boost understanding and engagement, particularly among youth, and plans to collaborate with the Bunge Mashinani Initiative to amplify outreach.
  • Nyakang’o supported the use of the Commonwealth Meridian System for debt management, citing its success in other Commonwealth countries despite concerns raised about reliability.
  • She stressed the need for clear role separation among the National Treasury, Central Bank of Kenya, Parliament, and her office to strengthen debt oversight.
  • Regarding a proposed two-year borrowing freeze, Nyakang’o noted it would be challenging due to Kenya’s current fiscal realities, with 71% of revenue servicing debt and only 29% left for other expenditures.
  • She suggested focusing on fiscal consolidation — reducing spending and increasing revenue — to gradually decrease borrowing needs.

Other Recommendations

Deputy Auditor General Isaac Ng’ang’a also backed the petition’s recommendations, emphasizing the importance of robust institutions, fiscal discipline, and efficient use of resources. He urged the government to continue fiscal consolidation efforts, prioritize affordable financing, extend repayment periods, and strengthen the domestic debt market to lower borrowing costs.

This move towards a Public Debt Register aims to enhance accountability and ensure sustainable debt management amid concerns over Kenya’s growing debt burden.