France Issues Special Request To IMF, World Bank To Help Kenya

France Issues Special Request To IMF, World Bank To Help Kenya

France has encouraged global financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to increase help for countries vulnerable to economic shocks.

The shocks have been created by the prolonged Iran conflict, which has harmed various economies, including Kenya.

The events occurred while global finance officials gathered in Paris for G7-related negotiations that also addressed inflation, trade instability, and energy market volatility.

The call, made by French Finance Minister Roland Lescure at the Paris conference, comes as advanced economies and emerging partners, like Kenya, face rising gasoline prices.

"Pas là pour aider tout le monde" ⛽

Invité de BFM Business, Roland Lescure a assumé la stratégie du gouvernement face à la crise des carburants : "Ce que l'on souhaite, dans un moment où les finances publiques sont sous tension, c'est se focaliser sur les plus vulnérables". pic.twitter.com/F1YdyYN0HU

— BFM Business (@bfmbusiness) May 19, 2026

This is related to supply chain interruptions and a restricted fiscal space caused by worldwide geopolitical tensions.

According to Reuters, Lescure said there was agreement among participating nations that multilateral lenders must “do more to help countries most vulnerable to the impact of the Middle East conflict”.

He also warned that disruptions such as fertiliser shortages could deepen food insecurity and inflationary pressure across developing economies.

The discussions in Paris brought together G7 finance ministers and central bank governors alongside representatives from countries including Kenya, Brazil and Gulf states.

This reflects a growing concern that the Iran war could trigger wider global economic fragmentation and energy market shocks.

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Back home, the ripple effects of global oil volatility have been sharply felt through recent fuel price hikes that triggered nationwide protests.

Motorists, matatu operators, boda boda riders and digital cab drivers grounded transport services in an unprecedented shutdown.

The protests, which erupted across Nairobi and other major towns, escalated into violent confrontations in some areas.

Subsequently, several people were killed and dozens were injured as security agencies struggled to restore order amid widespread unrest.

In response to mounting pressure, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) held emergency consultations with public transport stakeholders before revising pump prices in a move aimed at calming tensions in the transport sector.

France Issues Special Request To IMF, World Bank To Help Kenya