Kenya’s governance system is under the spotlight as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conducts a comprehensive audit under its Governance Diagnostics Program. The process, requested by the Kenyan government, is expected to conclude in October 2025. It aims to uncover weaknesses in key areas such as fiscal governance, procurement, public expenditure, corruption, and rule of law.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed the program’s progress and expressed support for the final report to be made public. “From where I sit, I don’t see why it should not be published,” he said, while noting the final decision lies with the Cabinet.
The audit seeks to arm the Kenyan government with tools to address systemic governance gaps. “Because of the political governance in the fiscal space, we are perceived as irresponsible borrowers and spenders, with low accountability standards,” Mbadi acknowledged.
However, governance experts have raised concerns about the report’s potential implications. Dr. Abraham Rugo, Executive Director at Bajeti Hub, cautioned that the findings might echo existing reports from local oversight bodies like the Auditor General and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). He emphasized that political will is key to realizing meaningful reforms: “There are enough reports—what matters now is the leadership’s commitment.”
The anticipated publication of the report has sparked debate, particularly among civil society organizations. Wanjiru Gichengo of The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) insisted the report must be made public, stating, “It is a Kenyan report. It cannot be on a shelf and it cannot be private.”
Experts warn that a damning IMF report could damage Kenya’s international creditworthiness, affecting both public and private investment prospects. “The international market reads such reports keenly. It informs how they interact with us,” Gichengo added.
Ultimately, the impact of the IMF’s Governance Diagnostics will hinge not only on the transparency of the process but also on the government’s willingness to act on the recommendations. With the country’s financial credibility on the line, all eyes are on the government’s next move.
