The Bunge Mashinani School of Governance Initiative has petitioned the National Assembly to institute a 24-month freeze on public borrowing beginning in the Financial Year 2027/2028, arguing that the measure is necessary to halt the rapid growth of Kenya's public debt and safeguard future generations from an unsustainable financial burden.

Appearing before the Public Petitions Committee chaired by Hon. Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes), the youth-led group, whose members are drawn from different parts of the country, expressed concern over the continued rise in public debt and its implications on the country's economic future.

The petitioners argued that the growing debt burden has long-term consequences for young people and future generations, who will ultimately bear the responsibility of repaying obligations contracted without their direct participation in the decision-making process.

"The overall result of this debt is that future generations will inherit not only accumulated debt obligations but also weakened public systems and reduced state capacity to deliver essential services, thereby compounding long-term inequality and limiting economic mobility," the petitioners stated.

The group noted that Kenya's public debt has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from approximately KSh 2.4 trillion in 2014 to more than KSh 12 trillion today. They urged the National Assembly to take urgent corrective measures before the debt burden escalates further.

Among their recommendations, the petitioners called on the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight role in public debt contracting, management and reporting. They proposed regular parliamentary scrutiny of borrowing decisions, enhanced debt sustainability assessments, and greater transparency in debt management.

The group also emphasized the need for broader public participation in budget-making processes and urged government agencies to make public debt information readily accessible through simplified digital formats that can be easily understood by ordinary citizens.

Committee Vice-Chairperson Hon. Janet Sitienei informed the petitioners that the National Treasury already publishes debt information through annual Public Debt Management Reports and the Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy. She encouraged the group to review the available reports to better understand the country's debt profile, a suggestion the petitioners welcomed.

In his remarks, Committee Chairperson Hon. Muchangi Karemba commended the initiative for taking an active interest in matters of governance and accountability, noting that citizen-led engagements play a critical role in strengthening democratic oversight.

"I would like to see this kind of arrangement replicated across the country by people who want to see accountability and good governance. I am very sure that if there was a replica of this initiative in every constituency, the government would more easily understand what the people of Kenya are saying," said Hon. Karemba.