Kenya expects an International Monetary Fund delegation to visit Nairobi soon, with discussions set to include the country’s request for a new IMF-backed financing programme, Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge said on Wednesday.
The upcoming visit will take place as part of regular consultations between Kenya and the IMF, but officials are also expected to use the talks to advance negotiations over a possible new support arrangement.
“We will have further discussions about our relations going forward, and in particular in terms of having a fund-supported programme,” Thugge told a press conference.
Kenya sought a fresh IMF programme after its previous $3.6 billion arrangement came to an end in April 2025.
Government officials, including Thugge, have previously indicated that Nairobi would prefer any new agreement to include a lending component, as the government continues efforts to manage debt pressures and strengthen its public finances.
The planned IMF discussions come as Kenya’s central bank maintains a cautious monetary policy stance.
Thugge spoke a day after the Central Bank of Kenya kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at 8.75% for a third consecutive policy meeting.
The expected IMF visit could provide greater clarity on the size, structure and conditions of any future programme, although no new agreement has yet been announced.