IMF now calls for public buy-in on controversial Kenya programmes

IMF has acknowledged the need for a more collaborative approach to fiscal reforms. [iStockphoto]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has for the first time acknowledged the need for a broader public consultation and acceptance of its controversial structural adjustment and tax programmes in Kenya.

This comes weeks after the global lender's efforts to work with the Kenya Kwanza government on fiscal reforms faced major setbacks and led to a social, political and economic fallout as the Finance Bill 2024 was withdrawn after sparking public unrest.