Kenya Moves to Operationalize EBRD Membership, Set to Host Sub-Saharan Africa Hub

 

 

Kenya is moving closer to operationalizing its membership in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), following discussions between the National Treasury and EBRD officials on the finalization of the Host Country Agreement (HCA).

The HCA will pave the way for the establishment of the EBRD Resident Office in Nairobi, which will serve as the Bank’s Sub-Saharan Africa hub, facilitating deeper engagement and investment across the region.

The progress was revealed today when Principal Secretary, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, met with Dr. Heike Harmgart, EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, at the National Treasury Building in Nairobi.

Kenya formally acceded to the EBRD in July 2025, becoming the institution’s 79th member. In September 2025, Kenya was granted Recipient Country status, enabling the EBRD to commence operations and investments in the country.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Kiptoo said the establishment of the Nairobi Resident Office will mark a significant milestone in strengthening Kenya’s collaboration with the EBRD to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“Kenya’s partnership with the EBRD will unlock new opportunities for financing green growth, infrastructure development, and private sector investment. The Nairobi office will not only enhance Kenya’s access to development finance but also position the country as a gateway for EBRD operations in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Dr. Kiptoo.

The EBRD, established in 1991, is a multilateral development bank that promotes the transition to open and sustainable market economies. Its engagement in Kenya is expected to support priority areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure financing.

Dr. Kiptoo reiterated the National Treasury’s commitment to expediting the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the EBRD’s full operationalization in Kenya, noting that the partnership aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030.