Several reasons:
1) Foreigners fleeing to cut their FX losses.
2) Broke government that is in constant competition with
the private sector for cash. Currently the IFB/2023/6.5 is the talk in town with every wanjiku rushing towards it. the last IFB in July took out 213B from the markets and the current one isn't going to be any different.
3) A government that has refused to reduce its expenditure and is operating like we are in the Kibaki years, as such widening the deficit levels and this money has to come from somewhere.....either taxes or debt.
4) Strong USD.
5) Less disposable income
6) As you've rightfully said, high NPL's and a very difficult business environment that's full of red tape, excess taxation, political uncertainties, wanton corruption and pilferage of funds etc etc...
@SufficientlyP