Kenya has unveiled a bold plan to exchange $1 billion worth of external debt for food security investments. The program, expected to be completed by March 2026, will redirect debt repayments into agricultural and nutrition programs.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the initiative will be supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) and other international partners.
Part of the agreement includes issuing $500 million in sustainability bonds, which will fund irrigation, crop resilience projects, and school feeding programs.
President William Ruto described the plan as “a sustainable pathway to strengthen food security while easing Kenya’s fiscal burden.”
Experts believe this strategy could set a precedent for other African nations struggling with debt and climate-driven food shortages.
If successful, the debt-for-food swap could help Kenya reduce malnutrition rates, expand climate-smart agriculture, and reinforce its leadership in innovative finance models.
