HARARE, August 4, 2017—Ms. R. Mukami Kariuki, a Kenyan National, is the new World Bank Country Manager for Zimbabwe. In her new position, Ms Kariuki’s top priorities will be to provide strategic leadership for formulating programs that support the World Bank’s twin goals and maintaining portfolio quality by working with internal and external partners for better results.
“With the support of the Multi-donor funded Zimbabwe Reconstruction Fund managed by the Bank, the Government of Zimbabwe is carrying out key reforms that aim to improve the fiscal, monetary and investment environment. These reforms are intended to help the country achieve the broader goals of poverty reduction and shared prosperity and establish a sound foundation for re-engagement” said Ms. Kariuki. “Our cooperation also supports the Government’s objective of restoring high levels of productivity through more inclusive, efficient and climate and environment friendly approaches.”
The World Bank is currently administering the Zimbabwe Reconstruction Fund (ZIMREF) that was established in 2014 to strengthen the country’s systems for reconstruction and development. ZIMREF has eight projects that support the business environment, water and sanitation, health, education, public financial management, public procurement, climate change, state owned enterprises and poverty monitoring. To date, ZIMREF has received financial commitments of US$40.4 million and will run until 2019. The Zimbabwe portfolio also includes the Health Sector Development Project, Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project and the Hwange Sanyati Biological Corridor Project.
Ms. Kariuki joined the World Bank in 1988 as a Research Analyst and has worked in various countries across the globe, including field postings in the Africa Region and East Asia. Her recent assignments in the Urban Development and Water and Sanitation sectors include Sector Manager, Practice Manager, Global Lead Specialist and Lead Specialist. She also worked as Sector Leader for Sustainable Development sectors including urban development, energy, mining, agriculture, water and sanitation, transport, environment and social development.
