Kenya Reviews US$ 5.96Bn World Bank Portfolio
Kenya has held high-level discussions with the World Bank to review its current development financing portfolio, valued at US$ 5.96 billion across 31 active projects. The talks focused on budget support operations, priority sectors under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and planned projects under the IDA 21 cycle, with particular emphasis on job creation, youth empowerment, and industrialization.
Kenya's Headline Growth Is Not Shielding Households from Economic Pains-IPF
Kenya should move beyond headline GDP growth and macroeconomic stability and refocus fiscal policy on outcomes that improve citizens’ lives, cushion households from shocks and protect hard-won social gainsCash in Circulation Rises to KSh 357Bn as Bank Withdrawals Outpace Deposits
Kenya’s currency in circulation rose 7.0 percent to KSh 357.02 billion in the year to June 2025, up KSh 23.2 billion, after net withdrawals from the Central Bank of Kenya reached KSh 23.23 billion. Banknotes grew 7.1 percent to KSh 345.64 billion, while coins rose 3.2 percent to KSh 11.38 billion. Currency inflows fell 7.8 percent to KSh 476.32 billion and outflows declined 6.6 percent to KSh 499.56 billion, indicating slower cash recycling.
Revenue Boom in Arid Counties, But Pending Bills Threaten Fiscal Gains
Kenya Uses Bond Switch to Defer KSh 25bn Debt to 2037
Kenya rolled over KSh 25.17 billion in a January 2026 bond switch, extending domestic debt repayments to 2037 without raising new cash as refinancing pressure mounted. The transaction, only the third bond switch on record, exchanged the August 2026 bond for longer-dated paper at an accepted yield of 13.17 percent and a premium price. The deal supports Treasury’s strategy to lengthen maturities, smooth redemptions, and ease pressure on the primary market amid tight fiscal conditions.Kenya’s Foreign Exchange Buffers Hit All-Time High Of KSh 1.61 Trillion
Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves rose to a record KSh 1.61 trillion (US$12.477 billion) in the week ended Jan. 15, 2026, CBK data shows. The stockpile is KSh 430.1 billion higher than a year earlier, a 36.5% increase, reflecting sustained net FX inflows and reserve accumulation. Import cover rose to 5.4 months, up from 5.3 in the prior week and above the four-month statutory threshold.Europe Disburses US$1.16bn to Support Egypt's Economy
The European Commission has disbursed €1 billion (~US$1.16bn) in concessional development financing to Egypt, the first of the expected three instalments
Fuel Price Cuts Offer Some Relief to Motorists, Households
Kenya's energy regulator has announced price cuts for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene by KSh2.00, KSh1.00 and KSh1.00 per litre respectively,Ghana Settles US$1.5bn in Energy Sector Debts
The Government of Ghana settled a total of US$1.47bn in energy sector debts which it said posed "one of the gravest risks to Ghana’s financial stability."Iran’s Economic Crisis Deepens as Protests Spread Beyond Cities
Iran’s deepening economic crisis, driven by a collapsing currency, soaring inflation and shrinking fiscal space, has triggered protests that have spread from beyond major cities. As economic grievances increasingly merge with political demands, the unrest highlights mounting pressure on the government’s ability to stabilize the economy and contain widening social discontent.Zambia Eyes New IMF Program After Current Deal Expires
Zambia plans to negotiate a new financing programme with the International Monetary Fund after its current IMF arrangement expires this month, opting not to extend the existing deal. The move comes as the country prepares for elections later this year, with the timing and scope of a successor programme expected to reflect both ongoing reform commitments and rising political pressures.Kenya Raises KSh 60.6Bn in First Bond Sale of 2026
Kenya opened 2026 with a fully subscribed bond auction, raising KSh 60.6Bn after attracting KSh 71.5Bn in bids for the 20- and 25-year FXDs.
