Keith Hansen has been appointed to takes the wheel as World Bank’s Country Director for Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, and Uganda with effect from September 8, 2020.
With Hensen as the Chairman, World Bank will work closely with the four countries to provide innovative products and services that respond to their diverse development challenges and contribute to achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, with a specific emphasis on COVID-19 recovery.
His appointment comes at a time when the governments of Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, and Uganda are faced with challenges brought about by COVID-19.
Mr. Hensen is equipped with 30 years of experience in development practice and takes over from Carlos Felipe Jaramillo who was appointed as the Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean region. His office will be based in Nairobi and he is expected to lead an active multi-country portfolio consisting of over 100 projects totaling more than US$13 billion.
Throughout his career, Mr. Hansen has been able to serve clients in different fields and capacities across the globe, including Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Before his appointment, he was the Vice President for Global Practice Solutions, Sector Manager for Health, Nutrition, and Population, Vice President and Director for Human Development. Besides that, he was also the Senior Advisor in the Office of the World Bank Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Keith Hansen holds a Law Degree from Stanford University, a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Yale University. He is an American national.
