Members of Parliament have formed a new chapter to track development projects funded by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The new chapter was forged on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s legislative engagement with these global financial institutions.

In a statement shared by Parliament Kenya, the new body seeks to enhance lawmakers’ role in promoting accountability, transparency, and informed oversight of development programs supported by the World Bank and IMF in Kenya.

The new body also seeks to ensure that the projects funded by the two financial institutions are people-centred and that the value of the money is met in the execution process.

According to lawmakers, the chapter is also key to weeding out graft in the public sector.

The chapter’s composition

The new chapter was officially launched by the Parliamentary Network’s board members, Neema Lugangira MP (Tanzania) and Sven Clement MP (Luxembourg).

The Kenya Chapter is led by Wajir East MP Adan Daud, who is the Chairperson, and Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, who is the Vice Chairperson.

“Their leadership is expected to steer the Chapter in fostering collaboration between Parliament, the World Bank Group, and IMF, ensuring these partnerships deliver meaningful development outcomes for Kenya,” the statement shared by Parliament Kenya read in part.

Speaking during the launch, IMF’s Resident Representative in Kenya, Selim Cakir, lauded the unveiling of the Kenya Chapter of the Parliamentary Network on World Bank and IMF as a milestone in fostering collaboration between lawmakers and international financial institutions.

Selim Cakir highlighted the pivotal role of parliamentarians in shaping and overseeing economic policies.

The historical event was also attended by Qimiao Fan, the World Bank’s Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda.

In his address, Qimiao Fan noted that the World Bank has been a longstanding partner for the country, underscoring its financial support earmarked for development projects.

“The Kenya Chapter is expected to provide a platform for legislators to engage directly with the World Bank Group and IMF, advocating for Kenya’s unique development needs while holding these institutions accountable,” the statement from Parliament Kenya stated.

“By amplifying parliamentarians’ voices, the Parliamentary Network seeks to ensure that policies and programs are people-centered, inclusive, and effectively address local challenges.”