By Ng’wono Bw’Otwere
President William Ruto has praised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for remaining a steady and constructive ally in Kenya’s economic reform journey
Ruto said the partnership has been central to stabilising the country’s finances and unlocking technical support across key sectors.
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He made the remarks in Washington, D.C., where he held warm and candid discussions with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
The meeting focused on deepening cooperation to reinforce Kenya’s reform agenda and sustain the momentum that has seen the country rise from the eighth-largest to the sixth-largest economy in Africa within two years.
With both sides agreeing to cultivate a forward-looking partnership anchored on transparency, mutual trust, and sound governance, President Ruto underlined Kenya’s shift to innovative development financing — including the new Infrastructure Fund — which he said is already drawing strong interest from global partners and is expected to fast-track national development targets.
Ruto also met International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop, where the conversation homed in on energy, infrastructure, and climate-friendly investments.
The President welcomed the IFC’s confidence in Kenya and its intention to send a high-level delegation early next year, led by Vice President for Industries Mohamed Gouled, to push discussions on major projects such as the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under a Public-Private Partnership model.
He further emphasised Kenya’s appetite for partnerships in expanding geothermal, hydro and wind power, as well as modernising road networks and transmission lines — all part of a broader pursuit of sustainable, long-term economic stability.
While in Washington, President Ruto is also attending the invitation-only signing of the Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda Peace Agreement, a significant diplomatic milestone aimed at promoting stability and peaceful coexistence in the Great Lakes region.
The invitation came directly from President Donald J. Trump.
In addition, he will witness the signing of the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework, which transforms Kenya’s 25-year health partnership with the United States into a sustainable, government-led model designed to fast-track progress toward Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Ruto will round off his visit with engagements centred on trade, investment, and security — areas he believes hold the key to deepening Kenya’s long-standing relationship with the United States.
