The International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team has concluded its visit to Kenya, during which it held discussions on recent economic developments and the government’s policy agenda.
In a statement on March 5, the IMF mission team leader to Kenya, Haimanot Teferra, said the discussions focused on recent macroeconomic and policy developments as well as key risks facing the economy, including potential spillovers from developments in the Middle East.
She noted that strengthening fiscal discipline, enhancing fiscal credibility, and building resilience to external shocks remain critical priorities for Kenya.
According to the IMF, these efforts should be supported by stronger governance and improved efficiency within the public sector.
“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. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance fiscal credibility, and build resilience to external shocks,” she said.
The Discussions are expected to continue during the upcoming IMF-World Bank Group Spring Meetings.
The team visited Nairobi from February 24 to March 4, 2026.
During the visit, the delegation met with the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi Ng’ongo, and the Central Bank of Kenya Governor, Kamau Thugge, along with their respective teams.
The IMF officials also held engagements with representatives from other government ministries, independent oversight bodies, civil society organizations, the financial sector, private businesses, and development partners.
Also Read: IMF Warns Kenya of Currency Risks After Swapping Dollar Loan for Yuan
Mbadi on IMF Loan Deal
Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, indicated that the talks with the IMF may not necessarily result in a lending program at this stage.
The CS told Reuters on March 4 that discussions with the IMF had not yet resulted in a deal.
“IMF was not coming for any deal. They are coming for engagement,” he said.
Mbadi noted that IMF support had not been included in the preparation of this year’s budget.
This follows Kenya’s $3.6 billion (Ksh465 billion) program with the IMF, which expired in March last year.
Also Read: IMF Staff to Fly to Nairobi for New Loan Talks
CBK Governor Issues Update on Loan Talks
In December 2025, Dr. Thugge stated that International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff were expected to visit the country in January 2026.
Thugge said the visit will continue discussions with Kenyan authorities over a new support programme.
On December 5, Ruto said that he held productive discussions with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Washington, D.C.
He added that the two had agreed to forge a forward-looking partnership, built on transparency, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to sound economic governance.
Ruto acknowledged the IMF’s support and pledged to deepen collaboration to pursue economic growth, stability, and shared prosperity.
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