Imports widen current account deficit to Sh135.3bn in Q3
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 7 - Kenya’s current account deficit expanded further in the third quarter (Q3) of last year, driven by higher imports relative to Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today |..
✨ Key Highlights
Kenya's current account deficit significantly widened in the third quarter (Q3) of last year, reaching Sh135.3 billion, primarily due to a surge in imports relative to exports.
- The current account deficit expanded from Sh43.5 billion in Q3 2024 to Sh135.3 billion in the equivalent period of last year.
- The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that the deficit was driven by an expanded merchandise trade deficit and a decline in the services account surplus.
- Imports rose by Sh82.7 billion, notably in industrial machinery, iron and steel, and road motor vehicles, while exports increased by Sh48.0 billion, with domestic exports seeing a 1.2 percent increase mainly from animal and vegetable oils, and cut flowers.
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Kenya's Q3 Exports Hit Sh289.4bn while Imports Widen Deficit to Sh135.3bn - January 2026
According to new data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya's exports reached Sh289.4 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025. This was primarily driven by a 2.5 percent growth in trade with African markets. However, in the same quarter, Kenya's current account deficit significantly widened to Sh135.3 billion. The widening deficit was attributed to a surge in imports relative to exports. Separately, the Kagio Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Market in Kirinyaga County, a Sh310 million project, is nearing completion at 60 percent. The market is expected to finish by June and will accommodate over 1,000 traders.
