World Bank Chief to speak with President Kenyatta on expected “major global recession”

World Bank Group President David Malpass will speak with Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta on the repercussions African countries are likely to encounter from the COVID-19.

Mr. Malpass said on Friday that the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic was expected to cause a “major global recession” that would likely hit the poorest and most vulnerable countries the hardest.

“We intend to respond forcefully and massively with support programs, especially for poor countries,” Malpass said in a posting on the LinkedIn networking site, adding that he planned to speak soon with the leaders of Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries.

The COVID-19 infections in Kenya hit 142 as of Sunday with more cases expected since the first case was reported in March 13. The East African nation has since enhanced a ban on international flights landing or taking off in the country’s available airports as well as a curfew from 7pm to 5am every day in an effort aimed at containing the virus spread.