Njoroge battles Kenya’s conflict of interest

In his first 16 months as governor of Kenya’s central bank, Patrick Njoroge has had to work through constant concerns about the health of the country’s economy and financial sector. Now he faces his biggest challenge yet: a piece of financial regulation he believes will deeply hurt Kenyan banks and their consumers.

Patrick Njoroge illustration-600

Illustration: Pete Ellis

 

IN ADDITION

On August 24, Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s president, sat down in his official residence in Nairobi to sign into law the country’s latest piece of financial regulation – a controversial bill capping interest rates on commercial loans. By his side stood Patrick Njoroge, the country’s central bank governor. Njoroge, who had said the bill would have “overwhelmingly negative consequences on businesses and consumers”, was not smiling.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access