NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government and the World Bank have reviewed their multi-billion-dollar development partnership, reaffirming its role in supporting the country’s economic transformation, job creation and service delivery.
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said the discussions were held with the visiting World Bank Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer Wencai Zhang, focusing on budget support operations and project financing aligned with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The meeting was also attended by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
The World Bank is one of Kenya’s strongest and most reliable development partners, playing a critical role in supporting our economic transformation agenda.Together with Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, Hon. John Mbadi, we met with the visiting World Bank Managing
According to Dr Kiptoo, Kenya currently has 31 active World Bank-funded projects valued at USD 5.96 billion, supporting priority sectors including education, water, housing, roads, energy, urban development and institutional strengthening.
The two sides also reviewed a pipeline of priority projects under the IDA 21 financing cycle, aimed at accelerating service delivery, strengthening institutions and driving inclusive economic growth.
Job creation, youth empowerment and industrialisation emerged as key areas of focus, with particular attention on the World Bank-supported NYOTA Programme, which provides start-up capital, skills development and market linkages to young entrepreneurs.
Dr Kiptoo said the programme plays a critical role in promoting value addition, agro-processing, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) growth, and the development of local manufacturing and industrial ecosystems.
The World Bank delegation included Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiamé Diop and Kenya Country Director Qimiao Fan, alongside other senior officials.
The government said the engagement reaffirmed the World Bank’s position as one of Kenya’s most reliable development partners in advancing economic reforms and sustaining long-term growth.
What is the NYOTA Programme?
The NYOTA Programme is a World Bank-supported youth empowerment initiative that provides:
- Start-up capital for young entrepreneurs
- Skills development and business training
- Market access and value-chain linkages
It targets job creation through agro-processing, MSMEs, value addition and local manufacturing, supporting Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.
