Kenya has engaged Standard Bank Group in a series of high-level discussions focused on the country’s economic outlook, fiscal consolidation, debt management, and private sector led growth, underscoring the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and sustainable financing.
The talks took place on Tuesday at the National Treasury in Nairobi, where Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi, accompanied by Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo, hosted the visiting delegation. The delegation was led by Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Sim Tshabalala and included Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan Regional Chief Executive Dr. Joshua Oigara.
According to CS Mbadi, Kenya’s economy has remained resilient despite global and domestic pressures, recording 4.9 percent GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025. Growth was supported by strong performance across agriculture, services, construction, and trade. He added that inflation has eased toward the target range, following coordinated fiscal and monetary policy actions aimed at supporting domestic demand while safeguarding price stability.
CS Mbadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and prudent public finance management. He highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen revenue mobilisation, improve expenditure efficiency, and manage public debt sustainably. “Kenya’s medium-term outlook remains anchored on macroeconomic stability, private sector led growth, and sustainable financing, with continued efforts to deepen capital markets and support inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Dr Chris Kiptoo noted that discussions also focused on the broader economic outlook, anchored on macroeconomic stability and private sector investment. He underscored the role of Standard Bank Group in supporting Kenya’s recent Eurobond transactions, where the bank acted as a Joint Lead Manager and Bookrunner. “These transactions have supported prudent liability management, helped smooth near-term debt service obligations, lengthened maturities, and reinforced investor confidence in Kenya’s economy and capital markets,” Dr Kiptoo said.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognise Standard Bank Group’s continued support for Kenya’s infrastructure and capital markets development. Mr. Tshabalala commended the government for maintaining fiscal discipline during a challenging global economic environment, noting that ongoing reforms and financing innovations have strengthened market confidence in the country.
A day earlier, on Monday, President William Ruto met Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Simpiwe Tshabalala at State House, Nairobi. The meeting, which was also attended by Stanbic Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Joshua Oigara and Stanbic Bank Kenya Chairman Joseph Muganda, emphasised the strategic importance of African financial institutions in supporting the continent’s development agenda. President Ruto said African governments must work closely with local institutions, as they are better placed than foreign lenders to understand the dynamics of politics, policy, and economic development.
During the State House engagement, President Ruto commended Standard Bank Group for backing Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund initiative and for its critical role in public-private partnerships within the capital markets. The president stressed the importance of African institutions in mobilising financing that supports inclusive economic growth while addressing local priorities.
Both meetings highlighted the continued collaboration between the Kenyan government and international financial institutions in promoting a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly economic environment. The engagements reflect efforts to balance fiscal discipline with strategic investment in infrastructure and growth sectors, while deepening the role of capital markets in Kenya’s development.
