John Mbadi: From Village Accountant to Kenya’s Treasury Chief

John Mbadi Ng’ong’o, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, embodies the blend of technical expertise and political experience that defines modern governance. Born in Seka Lwala, Homa Bay County, Mbadi rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most influential voices on fiscal management and economic planning.

Mbadi’s academic journey began at Lingongo Primary School and later Kokuro Boys Secondary School. In 1992, he joined the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), a qualification that set the stage for his career in finance and public administration.

Before joining politics, Mbadi built a solid professional foundation. He worked as an Assistant Accountant at the University of Nairobi’s Student Welfare Authority between 1996 and 1999, later rising to Senior Accountant at the same institution until 2003. He then served as Finance Director at Medair East Africa, where he oversaw financial operations for the South Sudan programme between 2004 and 2008.

Political Career

Mbadi entered elective politics in 2007 when he was elected Member of Parliament for the then Gwassi Constituency. In 2012, he was appointed Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. Following constituency boundary changes, he was re-elected as MP for Suba South and went on to chair the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and serve as Minority Leader in the National Assembly.

Over the years, Mbadi served on key parliamentary committees, including Budget and Appropriations, House Business, and Public Accounts. He was also part of the team that helped draft the landmark Public Finance Management Act of 2012, a key reform law in Kenya’s fiscal governance.

In July 2024, President William Ruto nominated Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, and he formally assumed office on August 8, 2024. His appointment marked a notable crossover from the opposition benches to the heart of the government’s economic machinery. During his vetting, Mbadi declared a net worth of about KSh 380 million, largely from investments and property.

As Treasury boss, Mbadi has pledged to streamline revenue collection through the Kenya Revenue Authority, enhance transparency in procurement, and establish a public debt register. He has also committed to deepening public participation in financial legislation and promoting prudent budget management. His tenure comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with debt sustainability and the need to spur economic growth.

Recognition and Honours

For his service, Mbadi has been decorated with national honours, including the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) and the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH). These recognitions reflect his long-standing contribution to Kenya’s governance and fiscal discipline.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional and political roles, Mbadi is known to be a family man, with interests in community development, reading, and football. He is described by colleagues as principled, analytical, and committed to public accountability.