Budget controller warns government against becoming IMF puppet

Kenya's Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, urges the government to diversify sources for funding the national budget. She warns that excessive reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could weaken the government's position.

Margaret Nyakang’o, Kenya's Controller of Budget, has issued a warning to the government regarding the risks of heavy dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for national budget financing. In her statement, Nyakang’o calls on the government to seek alternative funding sources to avoid becoming a puppet of the international organization.

According to Nyakang’o, excessive reliance on the IMF could lead to a weakening of the country's financial sovereignty. The Kenyan government has been receiving support from the IMF, but Nyakang’o emphasizes the need to build domestic capacity for public funding. This relates to government efforts under the Public Finance Management Act, including the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).

Critics from the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) have echoed these views, stating that the government should avoid accumulating debt from international loans. The government has not yet issued an official response to this warning.

Awọn iroyin ti o ni ibatan

Budget Controller Margaret Nyakang’o has warned that Kenya risks defaulting on Sh3.32 trillion in foreign debt due within a year without urgent action. She said proposals to cut spending and boost revenue have been ignored by Treasury officials. This could undermine funding for health, education and security services.

Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Kenya's government has announced plans to return to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for fresh financing to address the budget deficit, while pursuing privatisation of state-owned enterprises. An IMF team arrived in Nairobi to start negotiations on a new three-year arrangement. This follows the collapse of the previous Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programmes in March 2025.

South Africa's Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, has announced that the government has allocated significant funds to enhance public infrastructure in municipalities. An inter-ministerial committee will support distressed local governments. This comes as part of the Mid-Term Development Plan's latest progress report.

Ti AI ṣe iroyin

The Cabinet has approved a massive Ksh4.7 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, a significant rise from the previous year's allocation. This plan shifts focus to scaled-up investments across sectors to drive economic growth. The government expects to collect Ksh3.53 trillion in revenues against Ksh4.7 trillion in spending.

 

 

 

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