WASHINGTON, D.C. – President William Ruto has held fresh negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., seeking deeper cooperation as Kenya grapples with rising public debt and ongoing economic reforms.
In a statement after meeting IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, President Ruto described the institution as a “reliable and constructive partner” in Kenya’s economic transformation, crediting its programmes with helping the country strengthen fiscal management and navigate external debt pressures.
Ruto said Kenya had benefited from the IMF’s technical assistance across multiple sectors, adding that the Fund’s engagement had supported the expansion of Kenya’s economy — which he noted had climbed from the eighth- to the sixth-largest in Africa over the past two years.
The Washington talks centred on “broadening avenues of collaboration” to bolster Kenya’s reform agenda, which includes measures aimed at stabilising public finances, expanding revenue collection, and ensuring sustainable debt management.
The International Monetary Fund has, over the years, proven to be a reliable and constructive partner in Kenya’s journey of economic transformation.Its continued engagement has provided invaluable expertise in the management of our external debt and delivered critical technical
Kenya is currently implementing an IMF-supported programme that requires far-reaching fiscal adjustments amid growing public concern about the tax burden and rising cost of living.
“We have agreed to forge a forward-looking partnership built on transparency, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to sound economic governance,” Ruto said, signalling continued alignment with the IMF’s fiscal expectations.
The meeting comes as Kenya faces tighter financial conditions and increased scrutiny over its debt trajectory, with Treasury officials warning of constrained fiscal space in the coming years.
The IMF’s role will therefore remain central to Kenya’s efforts to secure economic stability and maintain investor confidence.
