President William Ruto has announced a major breakthrough for Kenya following high-level talks with the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black, during his visit to Washington, D.C.

Taking to his official X account on the night of Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Ruto revealed that DFC had agreed to proceed with a $1 billion (KSh 162 billion) debt-for-food security swap, a move he says will significantly ease Kenya’s repayment burden by replacing expensive existing loans with more affordable long-term financing.

“We also appreciate DFC for agreeing to proceed with the $1 billion debt-for-food security swap to allow us to replace costly existing debt with lower-cost financing,” Ruto’s statement read in part.

Infrastructure, Energy, ICT, and Food Security

According to the Head of State, the DFC also expressed strong interest in expanding its portfolio in Kenya across several critical sectors, including food security, infrastructure, energy, and ICT, aligning closely with Kenya’s development agenda.

“Held talks with the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black, Washington, D.C., the United States. We welcome the DFC’s willingness to increase its scope of engagement with Kenya in the areas of food security, infrastructure, energy, and ICT. This mutually beneficial partnership aligns with our national priorities and supports our drive for sustainable growth,” Ruto stated.

Energy Projects

Ruto further disclosed that upcoming cooperation will place significant focus on renewable energy, with DFC keen to partner on Kenya’s geothermal fields, wind farms, and solar plants.

“There is strong potential for collaboration in energy, especially in geothermal, wind, and solar, to reinforce our renewable power base,” he stated.

Ruto also confirmed that the US financing agency intends to support key infrastructure projects, including expansion and upgrading of major highways, port modernisation, upgrades at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and investment in the proposed National Infrastructure Fund.

DFC to open Nairobi office

In a show of long-term commitment, the DFC will station a permanent representative in Nairobi beginning January 2026, positioning Kenya as a key regional hub for US development financing activities.

“We also see room for joint work in infrastructure development, including the expansion of key roads, ports, and the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. DFC is also keen to invest in our proposed National Infrastructure Fund, which will help accelerate strategic projects across the country,” Ruto stated.

“To further support our engagements, DFC has agreed to send a representative to be based in Nairobi from January 2026.”