The World Bank Group has announced the appointment of Qimiao Fan as the new Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda. Fan will oversee the implementation of sector and project work in these countries, reporting directly to the World Bank’s regional vice president. This role will also involve managing relationships with the four borrowing member countries alongside the World Bank’s resident mission representatives.
Fan, a veteran of the World Bank Group, succeeds Keith Hansen, who held the position since September 2020. Fan joined the World Bank in 1991 and has since accumulated extensive experience in various roles, including as Country Manager for Cambodia and Country Director for Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. His recent position was Director of Strategic and Corporate Initiatives.
In his new role, Fan will be instrumental in managing Kenya’s relationship with the World Bank, particularly as the country increasingly relies on the lender for support amid limited external financing. Kenya is currently engaged in a multi-year Development Policy Financing Facility (DPF) with the World Bank, focusing on critical conditions such as eliminating illegal perks paid by ministries and parastatals and enhancing financial management through the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The World Bank recently disbursed Sh155 billion ($1.2 billion) to Kenya, which includes a Sh109.8 billion ($850 million) loan and a Sh6.4 billion ($50 million) grant. These funds are earmarked for development projects, including green initiatives. Kenya is set to receive additional disbursements from the DPF program in 2025 and 2026.
Fan will be based in Nairobi, where the World Bank Group’s regional office is located. His extensive background and experience are expected to contribute significantly to the World Bank’s ongoing projects and partnerships in the region.
The appointment of Qimiao Fan marks a crucial step in advancing the World Bank Group’s development goals in East Africa, ensuring continued support and collaboration for transformative projects.
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