Moses Kuria: Kenyans are broke
By Nancy Marende, December 29, 2025Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has acknowledged the growing economic strain facing Kenyans, stating plainly that many citizens are struggling financially.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, December 28, 2025, Kuria stated that while people may differ on what has led to the situation, the reality on the ground cannot be ignored.
“Kenyans are broke; there is no doubt about it. As to what has made them broke, we will have different explanations,” he stated.
Reflecting on the past three years of the current administration, Kuria said he was part of the team that helped prepare the Kenya Kwanza government’s economic plan and manifesto ahead of the transition from the previous administration.
He described the role as challenging, adding that many of the economic realities the government inherited are not easily visible to the public.
“What I can say is that looking back at the last three years of the current government, because I was part of the team that prepared the plan/manifesto for the Kenya Kwanza government, especially the team that helped the president to take over from the previous administration, it’s a thankless job because the realities of the economy as it was then may not be vbisible to so many people,” he said.
Kuria argued that some of the government’s efforts and achievements may not be immediately felt or understood by ordinary citizens.
“If you go to the streets of Murang’a or Kakamega and talk to people about inflation, do they even know what that is? If you tell them that Kenya was on the brink of defaulting on its debt within six months, they may not know because we have always paid our debts. The prospect of default was not something people were familiar with.”
According to Kuria, the administration took difficult steps to stabilise the economy and prevent a potential debt default, even though such actions may not be immediately apparent to the “common mwananchi”.
“There are issues that are too complicated for the common mwananchi, So, the positive things that have happened within this administration may not be visible to the anked eye. There are issues that are too complicated for the common mwananchi,” he added.