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, with broader plans to divest from other state-linked enterprises.

• On December 4, 2025, the government sold 15 percent of its stake in Safaricom PLC, raising approximately Sh244.5 billion (about $1.6 billion).
• Vodafone Kenya/Vodacom Group increased its stake in Safaricom to 55 percent, while the state's direct shareholding decreased to about 20 percent.
• Proceeds from the Safaricom sale were earmarked as seed capital for the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and Sovereign Wealth Fund.
• The Cabinet also approved reinstating the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) into the privatization program in July 2025.
• President William Ruto consistently framed privatization as essential for fiscal sustainability and structural reform, aiming to attract investment and reduce reliance on external debt.

President William Ruto announced the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund as a "cornerstone" of Kenya's economic development during his New Year's Address, aiming to accelerate the country's transformation towards a first-world economy by 2026.

• The National Infrastructure Fund will be fully operationalized by January 2026 alongside a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
• The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on debt by leveraging domestic resources, private capital, and national savings.
• Proceeds from privatisation will be "ring-fenced" and invested strictly in infrastructure projects to generate long-term value.
• Anticipated projects include the completion of the Talanta Sports Complex, the Bomas International Convention Centre, and the launch of the Naivasha–Narok–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 42 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of regulated digital lenders in the country to 195 as of January 1, 2024. This ongoing regulation aims to curb predatory practices and protect consumers in the rapidly expanding digital lending sector.

• A total of 195 digital lenders are now regulated in Kenya, following the licensing of 42 new DCPs.
• The CBK has received over 800 applications since March 2022, with careful review of business models and consumer protection.
• As of November 2025, licensed DCPs had issued 6.6 million loans valued at KSh 109.8 billion.