Public Debt Rises by Sh533bn to Sh12.83 Trillion

Kenya's public debt has surged by Sh533 billion in the first quarter of the year, reaching a total stock of Sh12.83 trillion by the end of March. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development projects Kenya's economy will grow at a steady but subdued rate of 4.6% in 2026. However, the EBRD notes that rising energy costs and a high debt burden pose significant challenges to the economic outlook. Meanwhile, Kenyan consumers and businesses will continue to pay current electricity rates after the government withdrew a retail electricity tariff review application submitted by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.