Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has outlined Kenya’s position on international financial reforms, development financing and youth empowerment during the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Kindiki said Kenya had called for reforms to the multilateral rules-based international order to address emerging challenges in an increasingly transactional and unpredictable global environment.
The Deputy President made the remarks during the Heads of Government retreat at State House in Antigua and Barbuda, where leaders discussed ways of strengthening international cooperation and addressing shared economic and development challenges.
Among the issues Kenya presented were reforms to the international financial architecture to improve developing countries’ access to affordable development and climate financing.
Kenya also highlighted the importance of domestic resource mobilisation as an alternative source of funding national development priorities without necessarily introducing additional taxes or increasing public borrowing.
Kindiki pointed to the proposed National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) as potential financing mechanisms that could help mobilise resources for major development projects.
The two proposed funds form part of the government’s broader efforts to explore alternative financing models for infrastructure and long-term national investments.
Kindiki Highlights Kenya’s Youth Empowerment Agenda
Kenya’s youth empowerment agenda also featured prominently during the Commonwealth discussions, particularly in the context of President William Ruto’s upcoming role as the Commonwealth Champion on Youth.
Kindiki said Kenya had presented its progress in empowering young people through technical education, skills development, employment and income-generating opportunities.
He also highlighted government support for youth-led businesses as part of efforts to expand economic participation and create opportunities for young people.
The discussions placed Kenya’s domestic development priorities within the broader Commonwealth agenda, particularly the need to equip young people with practical skills and improve their access to economic opportunities.
The 28th CHOGM brought together Commonwealth leaders to deliberate on shared priorities, including economic resilience, international cooperation, sustainable development and the future of the multilateral system.
Kenya’s presentation comes as developing countries continue to push for changes in global financial institutions and lending arrangements to make development financing more accessible and affordable.
