NAIROBI, Kenya — A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded a week-long mission to Kenya after holding high-level discussions with government officials and stakeholders on the country’s economic outlook, fiscal policy, and reform agenda.
The IMF team, led by Mission Chief for Kenya Haimanot Teferra, visited Nairobi from February 24 to March 4 and met senior officials, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge.
According to the IMF, the talks focused on reviewing recent macroeconomic developments and assessing policy priorities as Kenya explores options under a potential new IMF-supported programme.
“The IMF staff team engaged with the authorities on recent macroeconomic and policy developments and key risks, including potential spillovers from developments in the Middle East,” Teferra said in a statement following the visit.
She noted that discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening fiscal discipline and building economic resilience to external shocks.
“Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance fiscal credibility, and build resilience to external shocks,” she said.
Beyond meetings with Treasury and Central Bank officials, the IMF delegation also consulted representatives from government ministries, independent oversight institutions, civil society organizations, financial sector stakeholders, private businesses and development partners.
Teferra emphasized that governance reforms and greater efficiency in the public sector would be key to supporting the reforms under consideration.
“These efforts should be supported by strengthened governance and greater public sector efficiency,” she said, adding that negotiations will continue during the upcoming IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings.
Kenya has relied on IMF support in recent years as the government works to stabilize public finances and manage rising debt obligations while maintaining economic growth.
The latest engagement follows a previous IMF mission led by Teferra that took place between September 25 and October 9, 2025.
During that visit, the IMF said discussions focused on evaluating Kenya’s economic landscape and laying the groundwork for potential policy reforms that could anchor a new financial support programme.
The delegation held meetings with President William Ruto, Treasury officials, the Central Bank leadership, Members of Parliament and representatives from the private sector and civil society.
At the time, Teferra said the IMF had made “tangible progress” in assessing Kenya’s macroeconomic and financial sector developments while initiating discussions on possible reform measures.
“The policy priorities include measures to enhance fiscal policy credibility, ensure sustainability of public finances and debt, and minimize fiscal, financial, and external sector risks,” she said.
Kenya’s economic policy agenda has increasingly focused on strengthening revenue collection, managing public debt, and improving transparency in government spending.
The government has also sought to reassure investors and development partners about its commitment to fiscal consolidation while maintaining funding for critical development projects.
Teferra said the IMF remains committed to working closely with Kenyan authorities and other stakeholders.
“We welcome the Kenyan authorities’ candid engagement and remain steadfast in our commitment to partnering with Kenya to secure a more robust, sustainable and inclusive economic future for all Kenyans,” she said.
She also thanked Kenyan authorities and stakeholders for their cooperation during the mission.
“The team thanks the authorities and other key stakeholders for their hospitality, candid engagement and support during the visit,” the statement concluded.
