Moody's Downgrades Kenya's Credit Rating After Finance Bill 2024 Fizzles Out

In a significant development impacting Kenya's economic outlook, Moody's, a leading global credit rating agency, has downgraded the country's ability to access external loans. This decision follows the Ruto government's withdrawal of the wildly unpopular Finance Bill 2024, a move intended to address fiscal deficits but one that has raised concerns about the nation's debt management strategies.

Moody's Assessment

Moody's revised Kenya's credit rating downward from "B3" to "Caa1", highlighting the government's challenges in managing its mounting debt obligations. The agency expressed particular concern over Kenya's decision to rely on budget cuts instead of revenue-raising measures, noting that this approach could hinder the country's ability to meet its financing needs. (Following his discarding of the starcrossed bill that was crafted to raise KSh 346 billion, President Ruto announced to an incredulous  nation that his government was now going to borrow KSh 1 trillion to plug the deficit.)

According to Moody's statement, the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 is expected to prolong Kenya's weaker debt affordability profile. This downgrade reflects a negative outlook, citing risks associated with government liquidity and potential constraints on external funding options, including support from multilateral creditors.

Impact on External Financing

The downgrade is set to complicate Kenya's access to external financing at reasonable costs. Moody's emphasised that slower fiscal consolidation could further restrict external funding options, impacting the government's ability to stabilise its debt burden effectively. Kenya's interest costs are likely to rise, necessitating more significant fiscal adjustments in the future.

IMF Disbursement Concerns

Moreover, Moody's highlighted concerns regarding Kenya's existing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes. The withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 could potentially delay the disbursement of approximately KSh124 billion ($976 million) earmarked for fiscal 2025. This funding constitutes a crucial component of the government's budgeted net external financing, underlining the importance of timely policy measures to maintain investor confidence and financial stability.

Political Context and Economic Repercussions

President Ruto's decision to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 came amidst nationwide protests against proposed tax measures. These protests, which tragically resulted in over 41 deaths, underscored deep-seated public opposition to the bill's fiscal policies. In response to public outcry, the government opted for budget cuts as part of broader austerity measures, aiming to mitigate economic fallout while navigating volatile political dynamics.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Kenya faces a challenging economic landscape marked by heightened borrowing costs and constrained external financing options. The government's ability to restore investor confidence and implement effective fiscal policies will be crucial in stabilising the country's debt trajectory and sustaining economic growth.

Moody's downgrade serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between fiscal sustainability and economic stability in Kenya. As policymakers navigate these challenges, decisive actions will be essential to safeguarding the country's financial health and fostering a climate conducive to sustainable development.

In summary, Kenya's credit rating downgrade by Moody's reflects broader concerns over fiscal management and external financing, underscoring the imperative for prudent economic policies and robust governance in the face of evolving domestic and global economic dynamics.