Nominee Senator Crystal Asige asserts that resettling refugees in Kenya is a condition of a new Ksh. 156 billion World Bank loan.
Rising on the House floor, Asige stated that the World Bank intends to advance billions of shillings to Kenya on the condition that President William Ruto’s administration resettle at least 400,000 refugees in Kenya.
“I have requested that the Senate look into allegations that the World Bank is giving the government Ksh. 156 billion in exchange for the integration of 400,000 refugees into Kenya.”
“We want to know the reasons, the details of this agreement, and why now,” Asige said.
She continued, “The Standing Committee on Finance should clarify whether the KSh. 156 billion is a loan or a grant and explain why the funding approval should be contingent on the integration of refugees.”
Asige further demanded that the committee explain the origin of the 400,000 refugees and why there is a link to the World Bank’s Ksh. 156 billion funding.
“Why are they in Kenya, and what criteria and parameters do they follow? “she demanded.
The claims come at a time when President William Ruto’s administration is facing internal struggles from Gen Z youths, who are demanding better governance.
The youths organised and executed deadly protests when Ruto’s administration tried to pass an unpopular Finance Bill 2024, and they have since demanded accountability from the government and the leaders.
Ruto conceded, dropped the bill, and promised austerity measures to reduce government spending.
The president has also appointed a committee to audit the country’s debts, with the aim of finding lasting solutions on how to repay them.