Kenyans React After William Ruto Meets With World Bank Regional Leaders: "Imetusaidia?"

• President William Ruto praised Kenya's partnership with the World Bank, emphasizing discussions on concessional financing and debt sustainability
• The meeting at State House included World Bank Regional Vice-President Victoria Kwakwa, along with the new country director Qimiao Fan
• Reactions varied on social media, with some Kenyans supporting the World Bank's role in improving Kenya’s economy, while others questioned the benefits of ongoing relations

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.

Kenyans have shared mixed reactions after President William Ruto shared pictures of a meeting with World Bank regional management.

In a statement on X, Ruto praised the relationship between the World Bank and Kenya.

Ruto held discussions to access concessional financing from the world lender.

"The World Bank is a trusted ally in Kenya's development agenda. Through our partnership, we are discussing access to concessional financing, debt sustainability and scaling up of government social interventions, among other programmes," Ruto said.

Who attended Ruto-World Bank meeting?

The president met with the World Bank Regional Vice-President Victoria Kwakwa at State House Nairobi.

Other leaders who attended the meeting were the new and outgoing country directors Qimiao Fan and Keith Hansen, respectively, as well as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

How Kenyans reacted:

@Duke_Of_Pokot said:

"The world bank has always been a trusted ally to Kenya. It's policies have been used to improve the economic situation of the country. The World bank is much welcomed in Kenya."

@etyangeric55 said:

"Tangu uingie kiti 2022 hii world Bank imetusaidia na nini..!!???"

@ChepkendiotMK said:

"More loans and nothing/little to show for. This is sad state of our nation. Very soon Kenya will hit her limit on loan borrowing and Kenyans will be left dismayed. Work first on corruption before borrowing more. From a concerned citizen. Thank you."

@mwaoh321 said:

"Tell them to fund our innovations,, last year nilitumwa world Bank from Kenya national bureau of statistics, nikashidwa naanza wapi😁."

@SirAlexKimutai said:

"They should increase their support in agriculture and job creation projects."

@BishopKrop said:

"I ...WB and IMF! There are social and economic conditions tied to your financing agreements!"

IMF holds talks with William Ruto's gov't

In other related news, the International Monetary Fund team led by Haimanot Teferra was in Nairobi from September 11 to September 16.

It said it is committed to supporting the government's efforts to identify a set of policies that could facilitate the completion of the reviews under its programme.

The Bretton Woods institution advised the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration to involve Kenyans in fiscal policy formulation.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke