The Kenyan government has submitted its economic resuscitation plan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approval, following the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024. President William Ruto’s administration is seeking fresh funding of Ksh477 billion ($3.6 billion) from the Bretton Woods Institution to address the deficit created by the bill’s withdrawal.
National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, speaking before parliamentarians on Monday, revealed that Kenya had already initiated discussions with the IMF regarding the potential disbursement of the funds. Kiptoo also mentioned that the government was in talks with the World Bank for additional financing.
“We are beginning to start discussions even on a new program probably with the IMF and others,” PS Kiptoo informed the lawmakers during the presentation of the revised budget estimates. “The state is already in discussions with the World Bank for new development policy financing,” he added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also addressed the legislators, affirmed the government’s commitment to securing more funding from external lenders. Mudavadi indicated that the National Treasury had engaged in robust discussions with the IMF despite recent developments in Kenya.
“The discussions with the IMF will take place in August this year, and the disbursement of the multi-billion loan is expected by April next year,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi emphasized the importance of having a program with the IMF to resolve Kenya’s debt challenges. “To resolve our debt challenge, we have to have a program with the IMF. It cannot be otherwise,” he told Members of Parliament.
Additionally, Mudavadi dismissed allegations of a potential disassociation from the multilateral lenders, stressing the continued relationship between Kenya and the IMF.
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