WASHINGTON, December 15, 2022 – Today, World Bank Group President David Malpass met with President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya.
President Malpass congratulated President Ruto on his election and welcomed the transparent and peaceful transfer of power. President Malpass was glad to discuss President Ruto’s efforts to resolve conflicts and build stability in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
President Malpass and President Ruto spoke on the macroeconomic situation and the importance of pursuing fiscal consolidation while providing support for a business enabling environment, job creation and agriculture productivity. In this context, President Malpass welcomed Kenya’s decision to halt untargeted petrol subsidies, as well as improvements in tax administration. President Malpass and President Ruto also spoke about Kenya’s efforts to improve export competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, and support private sector-led growth.
President Malpass and President Ruto discussed the ongoing drought affecting the Horn of Africa. President Malpass highlighted the World Bank Group’s (WBG) support to Kenya’s drought response and the role of cash transfers in protecting poor and vulnerable households as they confront rising food and energy prices. President Malpass was glad to hear from President Ruto about the recent expansion of the eVoucher fertilizer program and its improved targeting.
President Malpass was glad to reaffirm to President Ruto the WBG’s commitment to supporting Kenya with innovative instruments across the country’s growing portfolio of policy advice, technical assistance, and concessional financing.
