Kenya is stepping up its engagement with global partners as it pushes ahead with major economic reforms, with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi holding talks with United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns in Nairobi.
In a statement on Monday, the Treasury described the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
According to the ministry, the discussions focused on strengthening economic ties and supporting Kenya’s reform agenda.
During the talks, Mbadi said Kenya has remained steady despite a difficult global environment. He explained that the country is implementing wide-ranging changes aimed at securing sustainable growth while keeping debt levels manageable.
He pointed out that the reform programme is anchored on ongoing engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The IMF arrangement, he said, is centred on tightening fiscal discipline, increasing revenue collection and advancing key reforms at the Kenya Revenue Authority.
It also includes restructuring state-owned enterprises to reduce financial risks and improve governance, alongside boosting transparency in procurement processes.
Mbadi stressed that the IMF programme sends a strong signal to international markets about Kenya’s commitment to sound economic management, a confidence he said is important for attracting investors.
On the World Bank partnership, the CS referenced the upcoming Development Policy Operation, which is expected to support long-term policy updates.
Funding under this programme will help Kenya expand digital systems, strengthen public financial management across national and county governments, and drive climate-resilient development.
These reforms, he noted, are designed to improve service delivery and lower business costs.
The Treasury emphasised the importance of U.S. backing, especially given Washington’s influence at both the IMF and World Bank.
Mbadi welcomed the role of the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and ongoing cooperation under frameworks like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“Hon Mbadi emphasised that the success of these multilateral efforts is closely intertwined with robust bilateral support from the United States, a leading voice on both the IMF and World Bank Executive Boards,” the Treasury said.
“He highlighted Kenya’s appreciation for U.S. initiatives that de-risk key sectors through the Development Finance Corporation, deepen trade and technology transfer under frameworks such as AGOA, and provide critical technical assistance in digital governance and public finance oversight.”
Mbadi added that Kenya aims to continue discussions on development programmes previously supported by USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, noting that recent uncertainties have shown the need for coordinated engagement to protect essential services.
He reiterated that Kenya is committed to working closely with the United States in 2026, saying both countries share economic and strategic interests that benefit from sustained collaboration.
Leave a comment