Kenya partners with IFC to drive private sector investment
By Faith Lagat, April 18, 2026Kenya has strengthened its partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to accelerate private sector-led growth, focusing on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), small and medium enterprise (SME) financing, and investments in key sectors.
During the 2026 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, Principal Secretary for the National Treasury Chris Kiptoo held talks with IFC Regional Vice President for Africa Ethiopis Tafara and the IFC Africa Department Management Team.
The discussions reaffirmed IFC’s support for Kenya through advisory services and investment solutions aimed at mobilising private capital for bankable projects.
“IFC has continued to support Kenya through private sector-led growth and investment opportunities,” Kiptoo stated in a post on X dated April 17, 2026.
He highlighted the corporation’s role in advancing PPPs, strengthening access to finance for SMEs, and supporting projects in manufacturing, infrastructure, and financial services.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that continue to affect energy markets, trade flows, and financial stability. Kenyan officials emphasised the need to safeguard macroeconomic stability while sustaining growth.
Infrastructure fund and investment strategy
The engagement builds on earlier discussions between President William Ruto and IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, where Kenya outlined its shift towards blended financing models. Central to this strategy is the National Infrastructure Fund, which aims to mobilise over KSh5 trillion in the next decade.
“Our innovative approach to development financing, including the establishment of an Infrastructure Fund, is drawing strong interest from partners. This model will accelerate the realisation of our national development goals,” President Ruto said.
The fund will support major projects, including 10,000 megawatts of clean energy, construction of dams, expansion of road networks, extension of the Standard Gauge Railway, and modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport under a PPP framework. It also targets investments in geothermal, hydro, and wind energy.
Investor engagement and next steps
Kiptoo, alongside Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge, also met institutional investors, including investment banks, fund managers, and mutual funds. The delegation outlined Kenya’s macroeconomic outlook and highlighted opportunities under the Infrastructure Fund.
IFC’s involvement is expected to enhance project structuring, de-risk investments, and connect Kenya to a broader pool of private capital. Previous engagements have focused on sectors such as energy, aviation, and transport.