THE Kenyan government has officially asked the IMF to carry out a comprehensive assessment of corruption and governance issues, following pressure from Western nations. According to sources familiar with the situation, this request is part of Kenya’s efforts to address vulnerabilities in its public finances.
The assessment, known as a ‘governance diagnostic,’ is an IMF initiative designed to evaluate whether corruption or governance weaknesses are undermining state revenues or creating other financial challenges. Countries must request this assessment themselves, and Kenya’s move is seen as an important step in acknowledging and addressing systemic governance issues.
Kenya has been grappling with a growing debt burden that has reached critical levels. Earlier this year, the government’s withdrawal of proposed tax increases — following public protests that turned violent — complicated its efforts to secure a $600 million disbursement from the IMF. Though the governance assessment is not directly linked to unlocking the IMF funds, it is seen as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to reforming public finances.
Perceptions of government corruption and waste were central to the June protests, which highlighted widespread public frustration with financial mismanagement. By seeking the IMF assessment, Kenya appears to be taking a proactive approach to reassure both citizens and international partners of its commitment to improving governance and financial accountability.
The IMF and Kenya’s finance ministry have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the request. The Western-backed push for the governance assessment underscores the growing pressure on Kenya to demonstrate transparency and tackle its fiscal challenges effectively.
