THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019 22:28
The Central Bank of Kenya The Central Bank of Kenya. FILE PHOTO | NMG
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Kenya’s economy expanded at the fastest rate in eight years last year largely on increased agricultural production.

However, economists have warned that the robust growth could be hurt by poorly-distributed, below-normal rainfall in 2019.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Thursday said the economy expanded 6.3 percent in 2018, the highest since 8.4 percent in 2010, beating majority of projections which ranged between 5.8 and 6.1 percent.

The government insisted last year’s growth will be maintained this year amid rising concern that delayed March-April-May rainfall season may shave off as much as a percentage of the forecast growth.

Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich told reporters after the launch of the annual economic performance report in Nairobi that the economy “remains resilient” and will expand by at least six percent.

“It is still early to predict on its (drought) impact on agricultural production,” Mr Rotich said.

The 2018 growth rebounded from a five-year low of 4.9 percent in 2017 after economic activities were hurt by a biting drought in the first half, which hit farming activities hardest, and a bruising presidential contest that slowed investment.

“The growth (in 2018) was principally attributable to increased agricultural production, accelerated manufacturing activities, sustained growth in transportation and vibrant service sector activities. Agricultural activities benefited from sufficient rains that were well spread throughout the country,” KNBS said in the survey.


Agriculture and related activities such as fisheries and forestry, the mainstay of the economy accounting for more than 34 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), recovered sharply to grow 6.4 percent in 2018 from a revised 1.9 percent a year earlier.

The growth in agricultural production, which accounts for the largest share of jobs in Kenya, in 2018 was the highest since 2010 when it notched 10.1 percent.

Sufficient “long-rains” in 2018 also spurred electricity supply — a key enabler of economic activities — to an estimated 10.5 percent growth which is the highest since 13.3 percent in 2011.

Manufacturing, the second largest creator of largely informal jobs, also recovered from a five-year low of 0.5 percent in 2017 to grow by 4.2 percent last year — the highest since 7.2 percent in 2011.

Uhuru's spinmaster nzioka waita was on KTN yesterday.

The lies, half-truths, PR was on another level. The poor interviwer couldn't tell fact from fiction.

Then David Ndii took nzioka head-on on twitter.

Ndii: "Whiled away many evenings in the 90s at the Invergara Club in stimulating conversation with this guy’s dad, one of the most brilliant, open and independent minded, principled and conscientious Kenyans of his generation—truly a role model. This apple has fallen far from the tree."

That hit nzioka below the belt. He tried to spin on twitter.

Nzioka : "So from 1963 to 2014, only 11,278 Km of bitumen roads had been constructed in Kenya at an average of 221 km/yr. In the 4 years from 2014 to 2018 a total of 7,377km of bitumen roads were built by the Jubilee Government, that’s a yearly average of 1,844km/year. Reflect on that."

Ndii : "Wow. You have opened that box? You do realize that 7,377km of road is 9 times MSA-KSM. Jubilee has completed tarmacking roads criss-crossing the country 9X. Do you mind listing them for us? I have provided data on roads under construction 2014 and 2018 to assist you."

Nzioka is yet to come back 14 hours later.

I believe Uhuru has the ambition to grow this economy but he needs to set up the 21century practices if he wants to substantive gains. When Kibaki came into power, he focused on the NSE and boy we made money....Why Uhuru doesn't see the need of a commodities exchange is beyond me. Yes China will buy avocados but who will benefit? The farmer or the middleman? The next millionaires will be avocado middlemen. Avocado farmers will f*** up like potato & coffee farmers.

I'd be bothered by Ding'oing'o's commentary theday he releases a single positive remark on Uhuru or even Kenya. From that very day, I'll eagerly be waiting for his next. As a sane Kenyan, Never before have I witnessed more concerted efforts at paving or expanding roads in the country, than now............There are not less than 5 or so "super-highways" coming up in the next 2 years or so, aside fromt he ones already under construction.

Ding'oing'o ni lawama tu.

Its really sad for businesses. But also we kenyans are so fond of bringing fake goods that consumers end up losing. I have seen guys buying shoes in the morning but when getting back at home in the evening that shoe is broken and these bonoko electronics