Nairobi: The Public Administration, Intergovernmental and International Relations (PAIR) sector has unveiled its financial blueprint for the 2026-2027 cycle, emphasizing advancements in governance, service delivery, international relations, and intergovernmental coordination. The sector also called for increased funding to support capital-intensive national priorities.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a public participation forum in Nairobi, Principal Secretary (PS) for National Government Coordination Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim articulated the sector's vital role in Kenya's governance and economic management. He asserted the sector's commitment to excellence in public policy administration and international relations, focusing on leadership, coordination, and oversight in public finance, economic management, public service transformation, and global competitiveness.
Ibrahim detailed the sector's composition, which includes 26 sub-sectors such as the Executive Office of the President, National Treasury, and State Departments for Foreign Affairs, among others, which collectively guide the nation's governance, fiscal stabilization, and intergovernmental relations. He also outlined strategic objectives like enhancing performance management, strengthening human capital, and promoting accountability.
The PS highlighted significant achievements from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2025 fiscal years, including empowering 6,973 women groups through affordable credit and distributing food to 30,522 vulnerable households. The sector also made strides in reaffirming the Kenya-Tanzania boundary, training over 4,274 boys under an anti-drug initiative, and evaluating various government entities under performance contracting.
Noteworthy milestones in foreign affairs included the launch of a 10-year foreign policy framework, establishment of new embassies, and signing several bilateral and economic partnership agreements. Environmental efforts saw the planting of over 8,000 trees, while public-private partnerships mobilized significant funds for key projects.
The PS reported improved budget absorption, with expenditure performance rising significantly between 2022 and 2025. However, challenges persist with pending bills, which amounted to substantial sums over recent fiscal years despite verification efforts.
An independent analysis by the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) praised the sector's comprehensive presentation but highlighted the need for more robust analysis of unutilized development funds. KIPPRA's David Wanjala emphasized the importance of project readiness checks and better alignment of budget allocations with sector mandates.
Looking ahead, the sector has proposed 46 programs for the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, targeting legislative agenda implementation, supporting vulnerable populations, and expanding diplomatic presence. Other goals include maintaining inflation within target ranges, increasing domestic revenue, reducing the fiscal deficit, and attracting foreign direct investment.
During the plenary session, participants called for extended public engagement due to the sector's broad mandate. The government assured that all feedback would be considered in the ongoing budget review process. KIPPRA stressed the need for expanded funding, improved efficiency, and strengthened strategic partnerships for the sector to fulfill its mandate.
The PAIR sector remains committed to integrating these recommendations into its final budget proposals for the 2026-2027 financial year.