The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns after the anti-finance bill protests turned violent on Tuesday, June 25.
In a statement on June 26, IMF Director of Communications Julie Kozack noted that the financial agency was closely monitoring the situation in Kenya, adding that IMF's goal was to ensure the country overcomes her economic challenges.
Kozack further maintained that IMF was committed to working together with Kenya to chart a course towards robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
"We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Kenya in recent days and saddened by the loss of lives and the many injuries. Our thoughts are with all the people affected by the turmoil in the country.
"The IMF is closely monitoring the situation in Kenya. Our main goal in supporting Kenya is to help it overcome the difficult economic challenges it faces and improve its economic prospects and the well-being of its people," read part of the statement.
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The statement comes even as President William Ruto declined to sign the contentious Finance Bill 2024 into law on Wednesday.
The Head of State asserted that he reached the decision after listening to Kenyans who did not want the bill.
“Having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly they don’t want anything to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn and I have agreed with these members that this becomes our collective position,” the president remarked.
There had been some concerns that the IMF influenced some tax proposals in the bill, which President Ruto has now withdrawn.
