Investigation Finds World Bank Failed to Police Abuse at Kenyan Schools

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The World Bank’s internal watchdog on Thursday criticized the organization’s handling and oversight of its investment in a chain of Kenyan schools that were subject to an internal investigation after allegations that students were abused. The investigation, which started in 2020, has consumed World Bank officials and shareholders in recent months and led to scrutiny of its investment arm, the International Finance Corporation, which invested in the educational project a decade ago. Countries that make up the board of the I.F.C. have been debating how to compensate victims of the abuse. While the scandal predates the tenure of Ajay Banga, the World Bank’s new president, it has emerged as one of the first tests of his management. Mr. Banga will be responsible for directing any changes related to how the bank invests in private-sector projects. He has already faced criticism for appearing to be dismissive of suggestions that the I.F.C. was interfering in the investigation, and U.S. lawmakers have told him that the bank’s future funding could hinge on his handling of the matter.