Senator Asige raises concerns over Refugee resettlement condition in Ksh.156B World Bank loan

Rising on the House floor, Asige stated that the World Bank intends to advance billions of dollars to Kenya on the condition that President William Ruto's administration resettle at least 400,000 refugees in Kenya.

"I have asked the Senate to investigate why Government is allegedly being given Ksh.156 billion from the World Bank with the condition of integrating 400,000 refugees into Kenya. We want to know the reasons, the details of this agreement and why now," Asige said.

"The Standing Committee on Finance should confirm whether the KSh.156 billion is a loan or a grant, and explain why the condition to integrate refugees should be attached to approval of the funding," she added.

Asige further demanded that the committee explain the origin of the 400,000 refugees and why there is a link to the World Bank's Ksh.156 billion funding.

"Explain why they are in Kenya now and the criteria and parameters to which they are in Kenya," she demanded.

The claims come at a time President William Ruto's administration is facing internal strive from Gen Z youths who are demanding for better governance.

The youths organised and executed deadly protests when Ruto's administration tried to pass an unpopular Finance Bill 2024, and they have since demanded accountability from the government and the leaders.

Ruto conceded, dropped the bill, and promised austerity measures to reduce government spending.

The president has also appointed a committee to audit the country's debts, with the aim of finding lasting solutions on how to repay them.