Kenya’s private sector activity drops for second time
Data from Stanbic Bank Kenya shows the Purchasing Managers’ Index stood at 49.4 in April, signalling a contraction in business conditions for the second consecutive month. However, the reading marked a slight improvement from March’s 47.7. Kenya breaking news | Kenya news tod..
✨ Key Highlights
Kenya's private sector activity contracted for the second consecutive month in April, falling to 49.4 on the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). This downturn was primarily driven by elevated operating costs stemming from high fuel prices and weakened consumer demand.
- The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded 49.4 in April, indicating a business slowdown.
- High fuel prices, with super petrol increasing by Sh19.32 and diesel by Sh30.09 per litre, significantly pushed up operating costs.
- Rising transport and shipping costs, influenced by Middle East tensions, impacted businesses involved in wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, and services.
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Kenyan Private Sector Activity Contracts Again - May 2026
Kenya's private sector activity contracted for the second consecutive month in April, falling to 49.4 on the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), primarily driven by elevated operating costs from high fuel prices and weakened consumer demand. The government is proposing new taxes on mitumba (second-hand goods) and mobile phones, aiming to simplify taxation and curb evasion, with changes set to take effect in July if approved by the National Assembly. Del Monte Kenya has significantly contributed to Kenya's economy, exceeding Sh100 billion ($800 million) in the past two decades (2004-2024).
