MPs question AFC, Ford Foundation privileges over accountability concerns
Lawmakers demand safeguards against corruption and legal impunity as AFC targets Sh260billion investment through Nairobi office
Lawmakers have questioned proposed privileges and immunities for the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Ford Foundation, warning that the arrangements must not undermine Kenya’s sovereignty, anti-corruption efforts or legal accountability.
The National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, scrutinised the proposed Privileges and Immunities (Africa Finance Corporation) Order, 2026, and the Privileges and Immunities (Ford Foundation) Order, 2026, during a meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Members sought clarification on the scope of the exemptions and whether Kenyan oversight institutions would retain their authority over the two organisations.
Vice-chairperson Robert Gichimu questioned whether the privileges proposed for AFC were comparable to those granted by other countries hosting the corporation.
Chepkonga also sought justification for granting the financial institution special treatment compared with other foreign financial institutions operating in Kenya.
MP Innocent Mugabe, meanwhile, demanded assurances that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) would retain its powers to investigate suspected corruption involving the institutions.
The committee was told that AFC would operate within a framework comparable to that governing diplomatic missions while complying with Kenyan laws.
AFC Director Fola Fagbule urged MPs to support the proposed order, saying the establishment of the corporation’s first regional office outside Lagos in Nairobi would unlock significant economic opportunities.
The corporation is targeting approximately Sh260 billion in additional investment through its Nairobi operations, potentially supporting infrastructure development, capital mobilisation and local businesses.
Mudavadi urged lawmakers to consider the strategic benefits of hosting international financial institutions as Kenya seeks to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a regional financial hub.
“We are here to appeal to this Committee to keep in mind that these are opportunities that we should hold onto dearly,” he said.
Fagbule also cited AFC’s support for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, calling for infrastructure investments to generate tangible economic returns.
The committee also scrutinised the proposed Ford Foundation order, emphasising that any privileges granted must be clearly defined and consistent with Kenya’s laws.
