The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has provided an update on the ongoing IMF Governance Diagnostics Program, which is set to conclude in October.
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He expressed support for making the final report public, although the decision ultimately lies with the Cabinet.
The program, initiated at the request of the Kenyan government, aims to assess weaknesses in Kenya’s governance structures and recommend reforms to improve key areas such as revenue collection, public spending, procurement, fiscal management, anti-corruption efforts, and the rule of law.
CS Mbadi explained that the IMF’s assessment is a standard procedure used in many countries to identify and fix governance loopholes. “Kenya sought the governance diagnostics from IMF, just like other nations do. It’s part of IMF’s support to help countries stabilize their systems,” he said.
Civil society leaders have also welcomed the audit. Diana Gichengo, Executive Director of TISA, said the IMF must go beyond financial metrics and address broader governance issues, especially following past shortcomings in its programs. She added that international stakeholders—including the US and EU—have backed the need for a comprehensive diagnostic.
Gichengo also emphasized the importance of transparency, warning against attempts by the government to manipulate or withhold the findings. “We are seen as reckless borrowers and poor at accountability. Hiding the report would be unacceptable,” she said, noting the IMF will draw from a wide range of sources including reports by the Auditor General, EACC, civil society, and media.
Dr. Abraham Rugo, Executive Director of Bajeti Hub, noted the report may not bring entirely new findings but stressed that its impact will depend on how seriously the government takes its recommendations. “The real issue is whether political leaders act on it,” he said.
Experts warn that if the report paints a negative picture, it could hurt Kenya’s reputation in international markets, making it harder to attract funding or investment. However, a transparent and proactive response could improve confidence in Kenya’s governance.
“The international community reads these reports closely—they shape how investors and donors engage with us,” Gichengo noted.
CS Mbadi affirmed his personal support for transparency, stating, “From my position, I see no reason it shouldn’t be made public. But the final call will be made by Cabinet.”
Ultimately, the success of the IMF review will hinge on the government’s willingness to provide full access to information and implement recommended reforms.
