Mr. Abebe Selassie, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director for African Department, has applauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for his work against corruption, saying Kenya is on the right path, reported Daily Nation.
He was in Kenya for the launch of the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook report for Sub Saharan Africa, whose theme is “Navigating Uncertainty”.
Abebe said the IMF is satisfied with the ongoing fiscal reforms undertaken by the Kenyan Government to ensure macroeconomic stability in the country. The country’s stable economic growth currently averages between 5.5 percent and 6.0 percent.
“Because of this, Kenya is a leading light in terms of economic reforms and growth in the region,” Abebe said.
On Monday, the Director for the African Department of the IMF spoke to the President in a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi. The President and Abebe discussed the relationship between Kenya and the Bretton Woods institution where they agreed on the need for closer cooperation.
President Kenyatta thanked the IMF for the technical support it gives Kenya. He said the institution plays a key role in the stability of the country’s economy. He added that the government is committed to a stronger partnership with the IMF as it implements programmed that are geared towards uplifting the lives of Kenyans.
The IMF Director also introduced Mr. Tobias Rasmussen, the new IMF Kenya Resident Representative. Mr. Rasmussen is replacing Mr. Jan Mikkelsen whose tenure ended on September 13 this year.
President Kenyatta assured the IMF officials that his door is always open for discussions that benefit the country.
“Our door is always open. I look forward to working closely with you,” President Kenyatta told the incoming Resident Representative.
In the last few months, the Kenyan government arrested and prosecuted several high-profile individuals over the theft of public funds. The suspects include senior government officials and politicians, wealthy businesspersons, all who have been arraigned in court over graft.
