Ruto Secures Ksh129 Billion Deal in U.S.
The agreement model offers Kenya fiscal breathing room while tackling long-term food insecurity challenges worsened by climate shocks and global inflation...
✨ Key Highlights
Kenya has secured a USD 1 billion (Ksh129 billion) debt-for-food swap deal with the United States to boost food security and reduce its debt burden. This agreement was reached after President William Ruto met with CEO Ben Black of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington, D.C.
- The DFC will acquire a portion of Kenya’s high-interest commercial debt, allowing repayment under more favorable, lower-interest conditions.
- Savings from reduced interest payments will be channeled into critical food security initiatives, including agricultural infrastructure and climate-smart farming.
- President Ruto stated, “This is a smart and sustainable approach,” and welcomed the DFC’s willingness to expand its engagement with Kenya.
- Additionally, the DFC is interested in supporting Kenya’s proposed National Infrastructure Fund and upgrades to roads, ports, and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- A DFC representative will be stationed in Nairobi starting January 2026 to enhance collaboration.
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President Ruto Secures Health and Debt-Swap Deals in Washington D.C. - December 2025
President William Ruto arrived in Washington, D.C., to witness a peace agreement signing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. During the visit, Kenya secured a Health Cooperation Framework Agreement with the U.S., which provides $1.6 billion (Ksh207 billion) over five years for the healthcare system. In addition, an agreement was reached for a debt-for-food swap to boost food security. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved a Sh162 billion (approximately $1 billion) debt-for-food-security swap to replace expensive loans. Another account of the deal reported it as USD 1 billion (Ksh129 billion) after a meeting between President Ruto and DFC CEO Ben Black.
