The Central Bank of Kenya Governor, Dr Kamau Thugge, has been recognised among the world’s top central bankers after receiving an “A” grade from Global Finance magazine.

The award is part of the publication’s annual Central Banker Report Cards, which measure performance in areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, interest rate management, and political independence.

An “A” grade represents excellent performance. The magazine noted that central bankers across the world have had to deal with extraordinary challenges in recent years, from rising inflation to volatile exchange rates, while still ensuring economies remain stable.

Global Finance founder and editorial director Joseph Giarratano said many central banks had resorted to raising interest rates to tame inflation.

“As inflation now eases, the results of those tough policy choices are becoming clear,” he explained, adding that the rankings recognise leaders who act with independence, discipline, and foresight.

Dr Thugge, who became CBK Governor in June 2023, welcomed the honour, saying it reflected the work of the entire institution.

“This grade is a recognition of the hard work done by the team at the Central Bank of Kenya. In the past two years, we have had to make tough decisions in order to rein in inflation and manage the exchange rate. We are proud that these efforts have borne fruit,” he said.

Adding;

 “Over the past year, inflation has stayed below the target range, and the exchange rate has been stable against the major currencies. Interest rates have come down on treasury bills, along with the Central Bank Rate.”

One of CBK’s latest reforms has been the introduction of a revised Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model for commercial banks.

The model is designed to improve transparency in lending and ensure monetary policy decisions flow more effectively through the financial system.

The recognition places Dr Thugge alongside some of the world’s most influential central bankers, including U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and governors from Denmark, Vietnam, Indonesia, Chile, and Morocco. It adds to his growing international profile. Earlier in May 2024, African Banker magazine named him Central Bank Governor of the Year.

The award will be presented in October in Washington, DC, during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, where global policymakers, financiers, and economists will gather to deliberate on the state of the world economy.