A coalition of Kenyan civil society organisations has given the government 30 days to publish the International Monetary Fund’s governance diagnostic report on Kenya, warning that continued secrecy undermines public trust and accountability.
Why the Report Matters
The IMF conducted a governance assessment of Kenya as part of its lending programme with the country. Such diagnostics typically examine public financial management, anti-corruption frameworks, rule of law, and regulatory effectiveness. The findings feed into the Fund’s decision on whether to continue disbursing loans.
Civil society groups argue that Kenyans have a right to know what the IMF found, especially given that the country’s debt obligations and fiscal policies affect every citizen. The assessment was completed months ago, but neither the Treasury nor the IMF has published the full report.
Demand for Transparency
The groups, which include Transparency International Kenya and the Institute of Economic Affairs, say the delay is unacceptable. They want the report tabled in Parliament and made available to the public before the next IMF review cycle.
“Kenyans are bearing the burden of tough fiscal measures recommended by the IMF. They deserve to see the full picture of what the Fund found on governance,” one of the coalition members said.
Government Response
The Treasury has previously said it is reviewing the report and will release it at an appropriate time. Critics say that is bureaucratic speak for sitting on uncomfortable findings. With Kenya’s public debt crossing Sh11 trillion and tax measures squeezing households, pressure is mounting on the government to come clean on what its own international lenders think of its governance record.
