CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi has called for stronger investment and financing partnerships between African countries, China, multilateral development institutions and the private sector to bridge infrastructure gaps, accelerate economic transformation and improve livelihoods.
The CS made the call today during the Belt and Road Parallel Forum on New Opportunities for Investment and Financing Cooperation, held simultaneously in Nairobi and Beijing, China, where he highlighted the importance of adequate, affordable and sustainable financing in delivering Kenya’s development priorities.
He identified investments in transport, energy, water, information and communication technology, and industrial infrastructure as essential to improving national competitiveness, creating employment and enhancing the welfare of Kenyans.
Hon. Mbadi noted that persistent global financing constraints, climate-related shocks and geopolitical uncertainties had strengthened the case for innovative development partnerships capable of mobilising resources and unlocking investment opportunities.
He recognised the Belt and Road Initiative as an important framework for strengthening connectivity, facilitating trade and investment, and expanding access to development finance among participating countries.
The CS also highlighted the broader benefits of international cooperation, including technology transfer, knowledge sharing, capacity building and deeper economic integration, beyond the financing of infrastructure projects.
Welcoming representatives from Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, alongside Chinese government officials, financial institutions, development partners and private sector representatives, Hon. Mbadi emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared development challenges and advancing common economic interests.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to creating an enabling investment environment through sound economic policies, prudent fiscal management and continued reforms to improve the ease of doing business.
The Cabinet Secretary called on governments, financial institutions and investors to strengthen private-sector participation, promote financial innovation and develop sustainable financing solutions that support long-term growth and inclusive development.
The forum brought together stakeholders from Kenya, China and the wider East African region to explore new approaches to investment and financing cooperation, with the aim of strengthening partnerships and mobilising resources for sustainable development.
Kenya expressed appreciation to the Export-Import Bank of China, the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and other partners for convening the forum, describing the engagement as an opportunity to deepen Africa-China development cooperation.
CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi @JohnMbadiN , has placed household prosperity at the centre of Kenya’s next phase of economic transformation, calling for gains in macroeconomic stability to translate into tangible improvements in living standards, wider investment opportunities and inclusive wealth creation.
Speaking during the official opening of the Mashujaa Day 2026 Economy (Finance) Thematic Week at Eldoret National Polytechnic in Uasin Gishu County, the CS acknowledged progress in economic growth, price stability and access to credit, while recognising that many households continue to face cost of living pressures.
“Our task in the next phase is to turn stability into prosperity that every household can feel,” he said.
The event was attended by the PS for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo @DrChrisKiptoo , and PS for Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface Makokha @BonfaceBMakokha among other diginitaries.
Held under the theme “Financing Kenya’s Transformation: Mobilising Revenue, Investment and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth,” the thematic week seeks to connect economic policy with citizens’ everyday lives, strengthen financial literacy and gather public contributions to shape Kenya’s long-term development agenda beyond Vision 2030.
Hon. Mbadi cited average annual economic growth of 5.0 per cent between 2022 and 2025, compared with a global average of 3.4 per cent and a Sub-Saharan African average of 4.1 per cent. He also reported that more than 824,000 jobs were created in 2025.
Inflation stood at 6.8 per cent in September 2026, within the Government’s target range of 2.5 to 7.5 per cent. Foreign exchange reserves of approximately US$14.9 billion provided more than six months of import cover, while the shilling traded at about KSh130 to the US dollar. The CS also cited a reduction in the Central Bank Rate from 12.75 per cent to 8.75 per cent and a decline in average commercial bank lending rates from 17.2 per cent to 14.4 per cent as indicators of improving credit conditions.
He cautioned, however, that moderating inflation does not mean prices have returned to previous levels. Households continue to bear the cumulative effects of earlier price increases, making it necessary for economic stability to translate into greater purchasing power, employment and opportunities for Kenyans to participate in and benefit from national growth.
On infrastructure financing, Hon. Mbadi said the Kenya Pipeline Company initial public offering and the partial sale of the Government’s Safaricom shares had raised more than KSh310 billion for the National Infrastructure Fund. The Safaricom transaction also broadened public participation in share ownership, with more than 70,000 Kenyans becoming shareholders.
The thematic week is translating economic policy into practical guidance through Hero Pavilions and citizen clinics offering assistance with filing tax returns, purchasing Government bonds through mobile phones, selecting pension products and identifying investment scams. The programme also seeks to encourage greater participation in shares, bonds, pensions and savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOs), enabling citizens to make informed financial decisions and explore opportunities to build wealth.
Beyond financial literacy, the week provides platforms for citizens, businesses and development partners to contribute to Kenya’s long-term development priorities beyond Vision 2030. These include the My Kenya of the Future Digital Wall, Baraza ya Vijana, the Private Sector Future of Kenya Dialogue, the Development Partners Dialogue and the One Big Idea for Kenya Challenge.
The Cabinet Secretary said contributions received through these platforms would be consolidated into a communiqué for submission to the President and consideration in the Beyond Vision 2030 process, ensuring that public perspectives inform discussions on the country’s long term development direction.
The National Treasury retweeted
Mashujaa Day Thematic week 2026 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1kKzDPXLz…
The National Treasury retweeted
Kenya’s economy continues to show resilience. Between 2022 and 2025, it grew by an average of 5.0 percent, ahead of the global average of 3.4 percent and Sub-Saharan Africa’s 4.1 percent. In 2025, the country created 822,100 jobs across the formal and informal sectors.
In Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, I was honoured to join National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Hon. John Mbadi, FCPA, as he opened the Mashujaa Day 2026 Economy (Finance) Thematic Week at Eldoret National Polytechnic.
Together with my colleague, Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Dr. Bonface Makhoha, and Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, we engaged Kenyans during the Finance and Economic Day.
Under the theme “An Economy for the People”, the forum invites wananchi to understand how the economy works, take part in it and help shape what comes next.
FINANCE AND ECONOMY DAY | MASHUJAA DAY THEMATIC WEEK 2026
At Eldoret National Polytechnic, Uasin Gishu County. Follow live below:
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The National Treasury retweeted
This morning at Eldoret State Lodge, I witnessed President William Ruto assent to two important pieces of legislation to ease the cost of living, support key sectors and strengthen revenue administration.
The Tax Laws Amendment Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 65 of 2026) extends the reduced 8% VAT rate on petroleum products for a further 90 days, subject to the provisions of the law. This will cushion households and businesses from rising fuel costs and their effect on transport, goods and services.
The President also assented to the Kenya Revenue Authority Amendment Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 28 of 2026), strengthening the Authority’s governance and providing more predictable funding.
At the National Treasury, we remain committed to sound fiscal management, a fair and efficient tax system, and policies that protect livelihoods.
The National Treasury retweeted
Signing of Bills, State Lodge, Eldoret xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1vJpPNmOE…
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CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi Ng’ongo @JohnMbadiN today held bilateral talks with Dr. Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, Executive Director for the World Bank Group’s Africa Group 1 Constituency, in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss Kenya’s development priorities and economic reforms.
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The discussions reviewed areas of mutual interest in Kenya’s development agenda and cooperation with the World Bank Group in support of sustainable economic growth and national development.
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CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi Ng’ongo @JohnMbadiN today held bilateral talks with the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, in Bangkok, Thailand, to review Kenya’s economic outlook, fiscal sustainability and development programmes.
Replying to @KeTreasury @JohnMbadiN
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Accompanied by PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo and CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge, the CS outlined Kenya’s economic prospects & reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation, prudent debt management & structural reforms to sustain economic stability and longterm growth.
PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo @DrChrisKiptoo , met with Mr. Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (@ATI_ACA ), on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF/World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
The engagement reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with ATIDI and advancing cooperation in trade, investment and economic development.
CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi @JohnMbadiN this evening held bilateral talks with Eric Meyer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa and the Middle East at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF/World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
The engagement provided a platform to review Kenya’s macroeconomic outlook, assess the status of engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and consider avenues for strengthening Kenya-U.S. economic cooperation in support of shared development priorities.
On the IMF programme, the discussions covered the forthcoming Article IV consultations, with an IMF mission expected in Nairobi early December 2026. The two sides also reviewed progress towards publication of the Governance Diagnostic Report, an important component of ongoing engagement on governance and public sector accountability.
The talks also examined trends in remittance flows from the United States and opportunities to deepen technical cooperation, including through U.S. Treasury assistance in the emerging field of digital assets.
Development financing and health cooperation featured in the discussions, with both sides considering opportunities to broaden engagement through U.S. development financing frameworks and advance cooperation on shared health priorities.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Business Laws (Amendment) Act and its implications for the broader environment for development financing and partnerships. The exchange provided an opportunity for dialogue on matters of mutual interest and the importance of constructive engagement on policy and legislative developments.
The engagement forms part of Kenya’s continued economic diplomacy with international partners, aimed at sustaining constructive policy dialogue, expanding opportunities for technical and development cooperation, and advancing the country’s economic and development objectives.
@DrChrisKiptoo
@IMFNews
#IMFWBG2026
PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo @DrChrisKiptoo , participated in the 17th V20 Ministerial Dialogue in Bangkok, Thailand, where finance leaders discussed financing mechanisms to help climate vulnerable economies manage climate shocks and strengthen economic resilience.
Held under the theme “Development and Delivery in a Multipolar World,” the dialogue examined proposals under the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Compact, including a multi regional liquidity facility to address immediate balance of payments pressures arising from climate shocks.
The discussions also covered harmonising loan tenors and pricing across concessional financing windows and broadening eligibility for climate vulnerable economies, as work progresses towards a V2V White Paper.
For Kenya, such financing reforms offer additional options for managing climate related fiscal pressures, protecting development priorities and supporting investment in climate resilience, subject to the final design and eligibility criteria of the proposed mechanisms.
Director General for Budget, Fiscal and Economic Affairs, Albert Mwenda, also attended.#IMFWBG2026MEETINGS
CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi @JohnMbadiN this morning held bilateral talks with Africa50 Chief Operating Officer Tshepidi Moremong in Bangkok, Thailand, to advance strategic infrastructure investments and unlock new sources of capital for Kenya’s development priorities.
The engagement took place on the sidelines of the #IMFWBGAnnualMeetings2026
The discussions centred on advancing the Kenya Transmission Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project, being developed with @KETRACO1 and India’s Power Grid Corporation of India, towards financial close; operationalising Africa50’s proposed regional office in Nairobi; and exploring asset recycling in the transport sector to release capital from existing public infrastructure for reinvestment in priority projects.
Director General of PublicPrivate Partnerships, Eng. Kepha Seda,@EngKefaSeda also attended the meeting.
The engagement forms part of Kenya’s efforts to expand private sector participation in infrastructure development and mobilise financing for strategic national investments.








































