The World Bank has appointed Keith Hansen as the new country director for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Uganda effective September 8, 2020. The senior advisor will take over from Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, appointed as the vice president for the Latin America and Caribbean from July 1, 2020.
Keith Hansen will oversee over 130 active projects in the four countries worth over $13 billion spread around energy, COVID-19, education, and agriculture among other sectors.
Hansen’s appointment comes at a time when the four countries are facing multiple crises, including the pandemic and locusts. He will bring his expertise in matters health, social protection, and education.
Before his appointment, Keith Hansen was World Bank’s Vice President for Human Development, overseeing Global Practices for education, health and nutrition, and social protection and labour. He was also monitored the bank’s efforts towards priority areas in Climate change, conflict and violence, gender inequality, sustainable jobs, and private-public partnerships.
Keith Hansen served as the Human Development Director in Latin America and the Caribbean. He also led the AIDS Campaign Team for Africa.
The new country director holds a Law degree from Stanford University, a Political Science Degree from Yale and a Masters Degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University.
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