The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has reduced its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 9.25 percent from 9.5 percent, aiming to boost private sector lending and economic growth. This marks the eighth consecutive rate cut as inflation remains stable and the economy shows resilience.

• The new base lending rate is 9.25 percent.
• The decision was made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Kamau Thugge.
• Kenya's overall inflation in September stood at 4.6 percent, remaining within the target range.
• Real GDP grew by 5 percent in the second quarter of 2025.

Kenya is intensifying efforts to boost agricultural exports to Europe and expand into new African markets through aligning product standards, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and improving regional logistics. This initiative aims to revive the crucial horticultural sector, which has seen significant declines recently.

• Horticultural exports, a key foreign exchange earner, drastically dropped, with fresh vegetable exports plunging by more than half in 2024—from Sh50.9 billion in 2023 to Sh23.4 billion.
• The Trade Cabinet Secretary, Lee Kinyanjui, highlighted collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the European Union (EU) to enhance market access.
• Kenya has banned over 200 pesticides that did not meet global standards to comply with stricter EU residue rules.

Kenya has launched its first comprehensive National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2025-2028, shifting its focus from mere access to promoting financial health. The strategy aims to significantly improve the financial well-being of its citizens, despite high financial access rates.

• The NFIS targets nearly 40% of adults being financially healthy by 2028, a substantial increase from the current 18.3%.
• Spearheaded by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the National Treasury, the strategy involves a unified national framework for coordination.
• Key goals include raising insurance uptake from 15% to 50% and increasing formal savings from 68% to 75%, while addressing disparities in gender, rural-urban areas, and youth.