International Monetary Fund

The IMF's $2.3 billion lending program for Kenya includes conditions to reduce fuel and electricity subsidies. - Kenya's lending partner with conditions on subsidy reform

Kenya imports every drop of refined fuel it consumes. On the 15th of each month, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority sets maximum pump prices based on landed import costs and exchange rates—a system designed to prevent price gouging while ensuring suppliers can recover costs. In February 2026, that formula delivered a 2.3% cut in petrol prices, dropping a liter in Nairobi to 178.28 shillings (about $1.38).

Updated Feb 15

The global lender of last resort, which provides loans to countries facing balance-of-payments problems and establishes economic policy frameworks. - Providing baseline financing and needs assessments

The European Union approved a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine on February 4, 2026—the largest single financial commitment in the bloc's history to a non-member state. Two-thirds of the money, €60 billion, will purchase weapons and ammunition; the remaining €30 billion covers government operations. Ukraine will only repay the loan if Russia agrees to war reparations, meaning the EU expects to carry this debt indefinitely.

Updated Feb 5

The IMF publishes the World Economic Outlook twice yearly with interim updates, providing the benchmark forecasts against which trade policy impacts are measured. - Primary source of global growth forecasts

In April 2025, average US tariffs hit their highest level since 1943. Nine months later, the global economy is still growing. The IMF's January 2026 World Economic Outlook projects 3.3% global growth—slightly better than feared—as businesses rerouted supply chains, AI investment surged, and a US-China truce pulled tariffs back from their 145% peak.

Updated Jan 21