Kenya joins Rwanda & Benin to endorse World Bank chief's second term

Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, has been receiving endorsements by African countries as he vies to get a second term at the helm of the global finance institution.

The latest African country to give him support is Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta disclosed via twitter that Kim’s development driven passion for the continent since becoming president was worthy of another tenure.

‘‘He is passionate about development & has given special attention to Africa’s development needs since he became President of the World Bank. This is a significant achievement which as policy makers on the continent, we must all recognize and appreciate,’‘ he said.

I have nominated and endorsed JimYongKim to serve a second term as President of the World Bank Group.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (UKenyatta) September 3, 2016

Before Kenya’s endorsement, Rwanda and Benin had thrown their weight behind Kim’s reappointment in a joint statement by the two governments.

“Dr. Kim has strived to make the World Bank a partner of choice for African countries. The Bank has provided significant development support in key sectors of priority to Africa including health, energy, infrastructure, social protection, urbanization, environment, agriculture and education,’‘ the statement read.

Rwanda and Benin welcome nomination of Dr. Kim for 2nd term at the World Bank. https://t.co/hQB7cT58e9

— Government of Rwanda (@RwandaGov) August 31, 2016

Kim, a South Korean-American physician and anthropologist, is the 12th President of the World Bank Group. He took office in 2012. He previously worked as an advisor to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) before rising to become Director of the WHO’s HIV/AIDS department.