The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded a Governance Diagnostic mission in Kenya, led by Rebecca A. Sparkman. The mission took place from June 16 to June 30, 2025, following an initial scoping mission conducted in March of the same year.
The primary objective of this diagnostic was to identify governance weaknesses and corruption vulnerabilities that have macroeconomic implications. The team aimed to develop an action plan with specific recommendations and reform priorities.
The visiting IMF team included staff from various departments such as Fiscal Affairs, Legal, Finance, Monetary and Capital Markets, Strategy, Policy and Review Departments, along with World Bank personnel. They collaborated with both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to assess governance issues across core state functions based on the IMF’s 2018 framework for Enhanced Engagement on Governance.
During their visit, the team met with Kenyan authorities responsible for public financial management, tax policy, revenue administration, market regulation, Central Bank operations, financial sector oversight, and anti-money laundering efforts. Discussions were also held with Kenya's anti-corruption bodies to evaluate the effectiveness of legal frameworks in mitigating corruption risks. Additionally, members of Kenya’s National Assembly participated in these discussions.
Representatives from civil society organizations, private sector entities, business associations, and international development partners also provided their insights on governance challenges and anti-corruption initiatives during the mission.
"The IMF team would like to thank the Kenyan authorities and other stakeholders for their hospitality," said a statement from the IMF team regarding their experience during the mission.
The collaboration between the IMF and Kenyan authorities will continue over several months. A draft report outlining findings and proposing a sequenced reform plan is expected by the end of 2025 for review by Kenyan officials.