NAIROBI, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Kenya is discussing a $2.3 billion lending programme with the International Monetary Fund for budgetary support, the finance ministry told Reuters on Monday.

The East Africa nation hopes to secure an initial disbursement of $725 million from the fund in the first half of next year, the ministry said in a response to Reuters questions. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Catherine Evans)