Author: David Indeje

Kenya’s economic growth slowed to 4.7% in 2024 from 5.7% in 2023, driven by global headwinds, tight financial conditions, and fading post-pandemic momentum. This marked the weakest annual expansion since the 2020 pandemic-induced contraction of -0.3% and, excluding that year, the slowest since 2013’s 3.8% growth amid post-election uncertainty. The deceleration stemmed primarily from a contraction in construction and mining and quarrying, alongside slower growth in most sectors, except manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, public administration, education, health, and taxes on products. GDP by Sector: Contribution to Nominal GDP (2020–2024) Sector 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024* Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing…

Kenya’s private sector recorded its strongest growth in 27 months in April, driven by robust sales and heightened business activity, according to the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Tuesday. PMI Signals Robust Expansion The PMI rose to 52.0 from 51.7 in March, marking its highest level since January 2023. A PMI above 50.0 indicates expansion, while below 50.0 signals contraction. The surge was fueled by a sharp rise in customer demand, leading to the fastest growth in new orders since February 2022. “The April PMI shows Kenya’s private sector expanding at its fastest pace in over…

Married women in Kenya, driven by economic, career, and family planning pressures, account for the majority of induced abortions, often resorting to unsafe methods due to legal and access barriers. A 2023 report by the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Guttmacher Institute, estimates 792,694 induced abortions, with 78.6% (approximately 623,058 cases) among married women. This translates to an abortion rate of 57 per 1,000 women aged 15–49. Titled Incidence of Induced Abortions and Severity of Abortion-Related Complications in Kenya, the report indicates that 78.6% of these abortions (approximately 623,058 cases)…

Kenyan journalists are working in precarious conditions across the country as a result of systemic issues that significantly impact their well-being, safety, and ethical conduct. According to a report by the Media Council of Kenya, findings paint a stark picture of vulnerability and instability within the country’s media landscape. Key Findings on Journalist Welfare Medical Coverage: 52% of journalists lack medical cover, while 48% have access to it. MCK emphasised the vulnerability this creates, stating, “One illness can reduce a journalist to destitution without comprehensive medical cover.” Contracts: 75% of journalists in media houses have written contracts, but 80% of…

Africa’s digital transformation surged in 2024, a year for East Africa’s tech policy and internet governance. The Kenya IGF in Nairobi and the 11th East Africa IGF in Kampala ignited debates and generated actionable solutions. As KICTANet’s Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 in Nairobi nears, stakeholders must leverage these insights to forge a bold, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. What priorities should guide Africa’s tech policy? How can stakeholders move beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible outcomes? The Kenya IGF and EAIGF 2024 highlighted cross-cutting themes that demand rigorous scrutiny from policymakers, businesses, civil society, and youth. Stakeholders are urged to…

Kenya’s inflation rate rose to 4.1% year-on-year in April, up from 3.6% in March, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). On a monthly basis, inflation was 0.3% in April. The annual rate reached an eight-month high due to tight supplies of food items, including maize, potatoes, and green vegetables, with consumer prices slightly below the Monetary Policy Committee’s 4.2% projection. Key price increases included maize (2.9%), potatoes (4.0%), fortified maize flour (2.6%), sugar (0.7%), beef (0.3%), and tomatoes (1.2%). Transport costs rose, with bus fares from Nairobi to Malindi up 22.2%, despite the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory…