Kenya and US affirm strong economic partnership in Nairobi talks
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 1, 2025Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, met the United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Susan Burns, in Nairobi on Monday, December 1, 2025.
According to a post by the Treasury on X, the meeting underlined the long-standing strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States, particularly in economic growth, regional stability, and democratic governance.
Mbadi said Kenya remains economically resilient as the country approaches the end of 2025, despite global uncertainty. He noted that the government is pushing ahead with broad reforms aimed at achieving sustainable, long-term, and debt-resilient growth.
The CS explained that Kenya’s ongoing programmes with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank form the backbone of this reform agenda. He said the proposed IMF arrangement focuses on fiscal discipline, stronger revenue collection and comprehensive reforms at the Kenya Revenue Authority.
It also targets the restructuring of state-owned enterprises to address financial risks and governance challenges, and commits the government to greater transparency in public procurement.
According to Mbadi, the IMF programme is not only important for financing but also for sending a strong message to international markets that Kenya is serious about improving its economic management. He said such confidence is crucial for attracting investment and keeping the economy stable.
World Bank support key
On the World Bank side, Mbadi pointed to the upcoming Development Policy Operation, which supports long-term policy changes. The funding will help Kenya advance climate-resilient development, expand digital infrastructure and strengthen public financial management at both national and county levels. The CS said these reforms directly affect service delivery and help lower the cost of doing business.
Mbadi also stressed the importance of continued support from the United States, which holds significant influence on the boards of both the IMF and the World Bank. He recognised U.S. efforts through the Development Finance Corporation, which helps reduce risks in key sectors, as well as ongoing cooperation under frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
He said the United States continues to play an important role in trade, technology transfer, and technical support in digital governance and public finance.
The CS added that Kenya wants continued discussions on development programmes previously funded by US agencies, including USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. He said recent uncertainties emphasise the need for coordinated engagement to protect essential services.
Mbadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the United States in 2026, saying both countries share economic and geopolitical interests that benefit from strong cooperation.