Kenya Seeks IMF Assistance to Audit Corruption and Governance Issues

Kenya has officially requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to carry out a review of the country’s corruption and governance challenges. Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Overseas Affairs, announced on Monday that the IMF would conduct a corruption and governance audit to help the government effectively address the pervasive corruption affecting the Kenyan economy and its citizens’ livelihoods.

Mudavadi emphasized the urgent need to intensify the fight against corruption, stating, “We need to take the fight against corruption a step further and eradicate the spirit of corruption. The battle against corruption has persisted for too long, and we must identify where it is occurring so that we can confront it head-on.” His remarks were made in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

This initiative comes in response to growing pressure from youth protesters, who have been demanding accountability from the government. In July, President William Ruto vowed to propose legislative changes aimed at closing loopholes that hinder anti-corruption efforts. According to Xinhua news agency, Ruto indicated that the legal investigations would focus on cracking down on corrupt officials and those exhibiting lavish spending amid rising living costs.

On Monday, Mudavadi reiterated that the government would take a more proactive approach to combat corruption, stating that each ministry and government institution would undergo a thorough examination. He urged all government officials to engage fully in this critical audit, warning that those who do not participate would be subjected to scrutiny.

In September, the IMF urged Kenya to enhance its efforts in addressing budgetary and fiscal challenges, particularly following tax reforms that sparked widespread protests in June. Under the IMF’s disbursement plan, which runs until 2025, Kenya was set to receive a loan facility of $600 million. However, the government faced challenges in funding its $31 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024/2025 due to the significant public outcry. As a result, it delayed its plan to raise an additional $2.7 billion.