Kenya Implements Economic Policies Including Privatization, a New Infrastructure Fund, and Licensing of Digital Lenders - January 2026

In 2025, Kenya initiated a major economic policy shift through privatization, primarily by selling a significant stake in Safaricom PLC to raise capital for infrastructure and reduce debt. Alongside this, President William Ruto announced the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund as a cornerstone of Kenya's economic development. This fund aims to accelerate the country's transformation towards a first-world economy by 2026. Separately, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 42 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). This action brings the total number of regulated digital lenders in the country to 195 as of January 1, 2024. The ongoing regulation aims to curb predatory practices and protect consumers in the digital lending sector.