Browsing: International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Kenya's population has grown by 9.9 million people over the last ten years to reach 47.6 million. President Kenyatta says the current census results will guide successful planning and implementation of government development initiatives, including the Big Four Agenda.

The economy generated 840,600 new jobs compared to 787,800 in 2017

Kenya’s economy expanded by 6.3 per cent in 2018, the economic survey released on Thursday indicates, a notable comeback from a 4.6 per cent growth recorded the previous year.

This came as the country recovered from the effects of the persistent drought experienced in 2017, coupled with uncertainties associated with general elections held in the same year.

READ:Kenya’s economy falls below Tanzania and Rwanda, records 4.9% growth

The growth has principally been attributed to increased agricultural production, accelerated manufacturing activities, sustained growth in transportation and vibrant service sector activities.

“Agricultural activities benefited from sufficient rains that were well spread throughout the country,” Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Director General Zachary Mwangi said during the launch of the Economic Survey (2019) in Nairobi.

Similarly, the increased precipitation was a significant boost to electricity generation and consequently favourable …

Kenya will be keen to secure a Ksh370 billion (US$3.67 billion) loan from China for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as the World meets for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing this week. President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are expected to lead a delegation from Kenya to the Beijing meeting. If secured, It will push up Kenya’s debt obligation to China to above US$9.8 billion (Ksh991.2 billion), after loans from Beijing closed 2018 at US$6.2 billion (Sh627.1 billion).

Loans from China closed 2018 at USD6.2 billion (Ksh 627.1 billion)

Kenya will be keen to secure additional funds from China for construction of Phase 2B of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), as the World meets for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing.

The forum which takes place this week is expected to attract a high number of Heads of States from Africa and across the globe, with thousands of delegates from over 100 countries.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration is seeking a Ksh370 billion (USD 3.67 billion) loan to extend the rail project which is currently at its second phase of construction (Nairobi-Naivasha).

Phase one of the project, 472 kilometre Mombasa —Nairobi line, is currently operational having been completed and commissioned by President Kenyatta on May 31, 2017.

It was constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) on a Ksh327 billion (USD3.2 billion) …