By M, KNA
Kenya has successfully raised USD 2.25 billion through a dual-tranche Eurobond issuance, a carefully planned and strategic debt management operation which reflects renewed investor confidence in Kenya’s economic direction and signals that the reform measures undertaken by the Government are restoring credibility and stability in the global financial markets.
This recent upgrade reflects reduced default risks, stronger foreign exchange reserves and a narrowing current account deficit.
Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi, Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura simply put that global markets are acknowledging that Kenya’s economic reforms are working.
Dr. Mwaura revealed that the recent Eurobond issuance recorded exceptional demand from high-quality international investors and was heavily oversubscribed, becoming the most successful Eurobond since 2014.
According to the Government Spokesperson, this positive reception follows Moody’s upgrade of Kenya’s sovereign credit rating and revision of the outlook to stable.
He added that the strong investor confidence and the credit rating demonstrate renewed trust in Kenya’s economic direction and fiscal discipline.
Further, Dr. Mwaura pointed out that the proceeds have enabled the Government to refinance existing debt and partially settle obligations due in 2028 and 2032.
“By doing so, we are smoothing the repayment schedule and reducing pressure on near-term obligations. This strategy lowers refinancing risks and strengthens the country’s overall debt profile,” he explained.
“It is important for Kenyans to understand that we are not accumulating reckless debt. We are managing debt responsibly and strategically. Our focus is on sustainability, transparency and long-term stability,” Dr. Mwaura added, stressing that this translates into greater economic stability, reduced financing risks and stronger international confidence in Kenya’s economy.
Likewise, he said this move enhances the Government’s ability to meet its obligations while continuing to invest in priority sectors that drive growth, create jobs and improve quality of life.
The Government Spokesperson maintained that sound macroeconomic management remains the foundation upon which the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda stands because it ensures the country’s development priorities are financed sustainably and that Kenya’s economic future remains secure.
On the other hand, Dr. Mwaura reaffirmed the continental target of producing at least 60 percent of Africa’s health products locally by 2040 to strengthen self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external supply chains.
He echoed these sentiments from the recent pronouncement of the President who made it clear that Africa must prioritize local production of medicines, health commodities and essential medical equipment while participating in the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“This is a significant milestone for the continent and reflects a bold commitment to health sovereignty and economic resilience,” observed the Govt. Spokesperson.
In addition, he reported that the President also supported Africa’s call for fair representation in global governance structures, including the push for 2 permanent seats for Africa at the UN Security Council which reflects the growing demand for equitable global decision-making and recognition of Africa’s role in shaping international peace and security.
“Through these engagements, the President continues to position Kenya at the forefront of building a self-reliant, resilient and economically integrated continent,” he asserted.
Alternately, Dr. Mwaura stated that the Government acknowledges the severe drought that has gripped the nation, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, following the near-total failure of the October–December 2025 short rains season, one of the driest periods recorded since 1981.
He disclosed that the season delivered only 30–60% of average rainfall in most affected areas, resulting in acute food insecurity, water shortages, livestock losses and heightened malnutrition risks for more than 3 million Kenyans.
Consequently, he announced that since December 2025, the Government has spent over Sh6 billion on food and non-food distribution, livestock support and mitigation measures across 23 ASAL counties.
“Under the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP), Sh778.5 million has been disbursed to 133,101 vulnerable households across 8 severely affected counties namely Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo and Samburu,” highlighted Dr. Mwaura, adding that these disbursements cover the December 2025 and January 2026 cycles and the February 2026 cycle for Mandera, which remains in Alarm phase.
“We are, however, witnessing a positive transition. Since last week, most parts of the country have begun receiving rainfall, with heavy downpours recorded in Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and the Coastal region. This shift presents a critical window for recovery and renewed agricultural productivity,” he noted.
Dr. Mwaura further affirmed that the Government is fully prepared to support farmers to secure national food production insisting that through distribution of certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers and livestock feeds, water trucking and borehole rehabilitation, the Government is strengthening immediate resilience while positioning the country for improved harvests.
“I urge all farmers to promptly prepare their land, plant high-yield climate-resilient crops and adopt sustainable agricultural practices to maximize this season’s opportunity,” encouraged the Govt. Spokesperson.
Looking ahead, he maintained that the Government remains steadfast in advancing long-term climate resilience and food security.
“Under the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), we are expanding irrigated acreage to over 1.5 million acres by 2030 through mega dams, water harvesting infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships,” announced Dr. Mwaura, outlining flagship projects which include the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme and development of at least 6 mega dams set to unlock up to 2 million acres in arid regions, transforming them into productive food baskets and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
On National security, Dr. Mwaura said the Government commends the vigilance and professionalism of Kenyan security agencies, particularly the Counter Terrorism Policing Unit, the National Intelligence Service and partner agencies, for successfully foiling a planned terror attack in Nairobi during the holy month of Ramadan.
He divulged that through intelligence-led operations, sustained surveillance and decisive action on 18 February 2026, officers disrupted a network linked to the al-Shabaab terrorist group, arrested suspects and recovered weapons including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, grenades, explosives and logistical supplies intended to inflict mass casualties.
This intervention, he claimed, underscores the commitment, bravery and effectiveness of our security forces in safeguarding lives, property and national peace as the Government remains resolute in supporting frontline officers as they continue to protect the nation from evolving threats.
“We urge the public to remain alert, report suspicious activities and cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure it never happens again,” he cautioned.
On the war on drugs, Dr. Mwaura assured that following the President’s declaration of an uncompromising war on drugs and the appointment of a Special Multi-Agency Taskforce, the Government has recorded measurable progress in dismantling narcotics networks and strengthening national response systems through a whole-of-Government Approach.
He reported that coordinated enforcement operations have led to interception and destruction of illicit drugs valued at Sh8.2 billion, disrupting international trafficking corridors and reinforcing national security.
Similarly, he announced that the Anti-Narcotics Unit has been expanded to 700 specialized officers, while enhanced forensic and field capabilities including advanced drug testing kits secured through international collaboration have strengthened evidentiary standards and operational precision.
Equally, Dr. Mwaura highlighted that the Government has shut down illegal online distribution channels, launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets and initiated reforms toward establishment of dedicated drug courts to fast-track prosecution of high-level traffickers.
The Government Spokesperson also charged that substance use disorder treatment is now covered under the national healthcare financing framework and state-funded rehabilitation centers are under development across all 47 counties as well as complementary TVET scholarship programmes which are supporting individuals in recovery to regain dignity through skills development and economic empowerment.
Additionally, he declared that the Government has established 30 football academies and is developing 22 modern stadiums across the country, an initiative he said aims to nurture young talent and position Kenya as a regional powerhouse in football and sports development.
“We encourage our youth to use these facilities in some useful gainful activities instead of engaging in drug and alcohol abuse,” urged the Govt. Spokesperson.
Dr. Mwaura emphasized that these outcomes affirm the effectiveness of the President’s directive and demonstrate a whole-of-government and a whole- of- society approach that is firm on crime, compassionate on recovery and resolute in protecting the future of our nation.
