Nancy Onyango: Leading Kenya’s Debt Audit Amidst Scrutiny As the former Country Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Kenya, Nancy Onyango now faces a formidable task as the Chairperson of Kenya’s Sovereign Debt Audit Team. This audit, initiated by President William Ruto, aims to scrutinize the country’s past and present debt obligations. Onyango brings a wealth of experience to this role. Her tenure at the IMF spanned over two decades, where she gained extensive knowledge in debt management, economic policy, and financial analysis. Her expertise is widely recognized, and she is considered a trusted voice in the global financial arena. However, Onyango’s appointment has also raised eyebrows among some observers. Critics argue that her previous association with the IMF, which has been accused of imposing harsh austerity measures on developing countries, might compromise her objectivity in the audit. Moreover, the scope and methodology of the debt audit have come under scrutiny. Some experts question whether the audit will delve sufficiently into the political and historical context surrounding Kenya’s debt accumulation. Others worry that the findings of the audit could be used for political purposes rather than genuine reform. Despite the challenges, Onyango has vowed to conduct a thorough and impartial audit. She has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, promising that the team will leave no stone unturned. The audit is expected to shed light on Kenya’s debt status, identify areas of mismanagement, and recommend measures to ensure sustainable debt management practices in the future. The success of the audit will depend not only on the technical expertise of the team but also on its ability to navigate the complexities of Kenya’s political landscape. Onyango’s diplomatic skills and reputation for integrity will be crucial in securing cooperation from government officials, creditors, and other stakeholders. The results of the audit are eagerly anticipated by Kenyans who hope that it will bring greater clarity to the management of their country’s finances. However, Onyango faces a difficult path ahead, with the potential for both political resistance and skepticism from the public. Only time will tell whether she can steer the audit through these challenges and deliver a comprehensive and credible report that will pave the way for a more responsible and transparent debt management system in Kenya.Drone Attack Prompts Russian Response and State of EmergencyDrone Attack Prompts Russian Response and State of Emergency A drone attack in Russia’s southwestern Voronezh region has set fire to a warehouse allegedly storing munitions, prompting a state of emergency and a vow from Moscow to retaliate. According to Voronezh governor Aleksandr Gusev, the attack took place in the Podgorensky district on Sunday. Ukrainian sources claim the targeted warehouse supplied ammunition to Russian forces in Ukraine. Gusev reported that on-duty air defense forces destroyed several drones and that wreckage had caused the fire at the warehouse, which initiated explosions. A state of emergency was declared in the affected area, although no injuries were reported. Two elderly women were hospitalized for checkups, and arrangements were made to evacuate residents from nearby villages. Local officials reported that 50 people had been transported to temporary accommodation centers. A Ukrainian source, familiar with the matter, stated that Ukrainian drones targeted the warehouse because it held surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, shells, and other ammunition. CNN could not independently verify these claims. Following the attack, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that Russia would retaliate and that it understood that the US and NATO were effectively at war with Russia. Russia’s Defense Ministry also reported intercepted Ukrainian drone attacks in the Belgorod border region on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued in Ukraine on Sunday, injuring at least two in the Kharkiv region. In the Kherson region, rescuers extinguished 14 fires caused by Russian shelling that damaged homes and vehicles.A former official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nancy Onyango, has been tasked with leading Kenya’s debt audit team. Onyango’s appointment comes amid concerns over the country’s rising debt levels, which have raised questions about the sustainability of its public finances. Onyango has a wealth of experience in debt management and fiscal policy. She served as a senior economist at the IMF for over 15 years, where she worked on debt sustainability analyses and provided technical assistance to countries in Africa and Asia. Her appointment has been welcomed by economists and civil society groups, who believe that her expertise will be invaluable in helping Kenya to assess its debt position and develop a sustainable debt management strategy. Onyango’s team will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive audit of Kenya’s debt, including both domestic and external debt. The audit will assess the sustainability of the country’s debt burden and identify areas where debt reduction or restructuring may be necessary. The audit is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and its findings will be presented to the government and the public. The government has pledged to use the audit’s findings to inform its debt management decisions and to ensure that Kenya’s debt remains sustainable in the long term. Onyango’s appointment and the upcoming debt audit are seen as positive steps towards addressing Kenya’s debt challenges. However, it remains to be seen whether the government will be willing to take the necessary steps to reduce its debt burden and ensure the sustainability of its public finances.