# World Bank Pushes Kenya to Pay Down Debt

> World Bank urges Kenya to use infrastructure fund money to retire costly debt.
- Title: World Bank Pushes Kenya to Pay Down Debt · The Rio Times
- Summary: World Bank urges Kenya to use infrastructure fund money to retire costly debt. World Bank advises Kenya to redirect National Infrastructure Fund proceeds to…
- Keywords: kenya, world bank, national infrastructure fund, public debt, kenya broadcasting corporation, kenya pipeline company, safaricom, corruption, debt distress, fiscal consolidation, The Rio Times
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/world-bank-kenya-infrastructure-fund-debt
- Author: Samuel Ncube
- Published: 2026-11-09T19:32:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenya, world bank, national infrastructure fund, public debt, kenya broadcasting corporation, kenya pipeline company, safaricom, corruption, debt distress, fiscal consolidation, news, world
## World Bank Advice
World Bank advises Kenya to use part of National Infrastructure Fund proceeds to pay off high-cost debt.

> could reduce interest costs, lower refinancing risks, and strengthen debt sustainability
## Debt Levels
Public debt reached 70% of economy by mid-2026 with 56.2% borrowed domestically.
## Debt Cost
Interest payments absorb about one third of government revenue.
## Infrastructure Fund
National Infrastructure Fund targets Ksh5 trillion (US$38.5 billion) from privatisation proceeds.
## Debt Risk
World Bank says Kenya remains at high risk of debt distress.
## Fiscal Advice
World Bank calls for sustained fiscal consolidation to narrow spending-revenue gap.
## Debt Breakdown
Total public debt Ksh13.5 trillion (US$104 billion) with Ksh7.7 trillion owed domestically.
## Fund Progress
Kenya has already invested Ksh103.5 billion (US$0.8 billion) from Kenya Pipeline Company sale.
## 2027 Election
World Bank warns 2027 general election could add uncertainty and pressure on spending.
## Corruption Impact
Corruption costs Kenya about 2% of GDP annually through higher deficits.
## Key takeaway

World Bank advises Kenya to redirect National Infrastructure Fund proceeds to pay off high-cost debt to reduce interest costs and refinancing risks.