Kenya's Next IMF Step: Fresh Lending Programme Amid Unfinished Business

Kenya has applied for a fresh IMF lending programme to include unused funds from the current one. The nation saw its dollar bonds dip following the mutual decision to end the ninth review of the existing programme. Finance Minister John Mbadi stressed that time constraints, not unmet targets, led to this decision.

Kenya is pursuing a new lending agreement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to incorporate remaining funds from the existing programme. This move follows Kenya and the IMF's joint decision to forego the ninth review of their current agreement due to time constraints, says Finance Minister John Mbadi.

Mbadi refuted speculation of a rift between Kenya and the IMF over unmet programme targets, emphasizing that some funds from the original $3.6 billion initiative remain unutilized. Talks are ongoing for a successor plan. The IMF has acknowledged improved economic fundamentals in Kenya, though fiscal challenges persist.

While the IMF has yet to comment on the new request, S&P Global Ratings noted potential ramifications for Kenya's fiscal strategy. Missed IMF disbursements might delay related funding and exacerbate the government's efforts to manage escalating debt-servicing costs.

(With inputs from agencies.)