Kenyan authorities have confirmed they expect staff from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to visit in January 2026 to resume negotiations for a new financial support programme.
The previous IMF deal valued at US$3.6 billion expired in April 2025.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya Governor, the new arrangement under discussion would likely include a lending component to help shore up Kenya’s external financing and macroeconomic stability.Â
However, negotiations have been delayed due to a disagreement over the classification of securitised loans, a technical but significant issue for structuring the proposed deal.
The timing of the talks aligns with the CBK’s recent monetary easing (CBR at 9.0%) a move that may make Kenya more attractive for external financing while signaling macroeconomic stabilization efforts.
The government has indicated readiness to engage with the IMF to secure support that could strengthen public finances and support medium-term growth.
Source: Reuters
By Michelle Ndaga
