Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura Highlights Eurobond Success, Drought Response and Security Gains in National Briefing

 Government Spokesperson Hon Isaac Mwaura on Monday delivered a comprehensive government update at Harambee House Annex, outlining key developments in Kenya’s economic performance, drought mitigation efforts, national security operations, and regional economic diplomacy.

Eurobond Success Reinforces Market Confidence

Mwaura announced that Kenya had successfully raised USD 2.25 billion through a dual-tranche Eurobond issuance, describing the move as a strategic debt management operation aimed at strengthening fiscal sustainability rather than increasing financial strain.

He said the issuance attracted exceptional demand from international investors and was heavily oversubscribed, signaling renewed confidence in Kenya’s economic direction under President William Ruto. According to the spokesperson, improved foreign exchange reserves, reduced default risks, and a narrowing current account deficit have significantly strengthened the country’s financial outlook.

The proceeds from the Eurobond will be used to refinance existing debt and partially settle obligations due in 2028 and 2032, easing near-term repayment pressure and lowering refinancing risks.

Advancing Africa’s Health Sovereignty

Mwaura also highlighted President Ruto’s participation in the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, where Kenya supported the continental target of producing at least 60 percent of Africa’s medical products locally by 2040. The President further backed Africa’s push for two permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council, advocating for equitable global representation.

Drought Response and Humanitarian Support

Addressing the ongoing drought crisis, Mwaura acknowledged the severe impact of the failed October–December 2025 short rains, which left more than three million Kenyans facing food insecurity, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties.

Since December 2025, the government has spent over KSh 6 billion on food distribution, livestock support, and emergency interventions across 23 ASAL counties. Through the Hunger Safety Net Programme, KSh 778.5 million has been disbursed to more than 133,000 vulnerable households in counties including Mandera, Turkana, Wajir, and Marsabit.

He noted that recent rainfall in several parts of the country, including Nairobi, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Coastal region, offers hope for recovery and renewed agricultural productivity.

Strengthening Food Security and Irrigation

To support farmers, the government is distributing certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers, livestock feeds, and rehabilitating boreholes. Under the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Kenya aims to expand irrigated land to 1.5 million acres by 2030.

Flagship projects such as the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme are expected to transform arid and semi-arid areas into productive agricultural zones, boosting food security and economic resilience.

Security Agencies Foil Terror Plot

On matters of security, Mwaura commended Kenya’s security agencies for successfully foiling a planned terror attack in Nairobi on 18 February 2026. Intelligence-led operations disrupted a network linked to al-Shabaab, resulting in arrests and the recovery of weapons and explosives intended to cause mass casualties.

He praised the vigilance and professionalism of the country’s security forces and urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

War on Drugs Intensified

The spokesperson reported significant progress in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign, revealing that illicit drugs valued at KSh 8.2 billion have been intercepted and destroyed. The Anti-Narcotics Unit has expanded its operations, illegal online drug distribution channels have been shut down, and reforms are underway to establish dedicated drug courts to expedite prosecution of traffickers.

Substance use disorder treatment is now covered under the national healthcare financing framework, with rehabilitation centers and TVET scholarship programmes being rolled out nationwide to support recovery and reintegration.

Youth Empowerment and Regional Investment

In a bid to empower young people, the government plans to establish 30 football academies and develop 22 modern stadiums across the country to nurture talent and provide constructive engagement opportunities.

Kenya is also set to host the East African Business and Investment Summit on 24–25 February 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel. The summit aims to strengthen regional trade ties and position Kenya as a leading trade and investment hub under its economic diplomacy strategy.

Afro-Pragmatism and Economic Integration

Mwaura concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to “Afro-Pragmatism,” a strategy focused on translating Pan-African ideals into practical economic transformation through regional integration, infrastructure development, and coordinated policy implementation.

He urged African nations to harness the continent’s vast market potential and innovation capacity to build a self-reliant, resilient, and economically integrated future.

The briefing underscored the government’s broader agenda of promoting economic stability, enhancing national security, strengthening climate resilience, and positioning Kenya as a key driver of regional growth.