In Kenya, economic activity fell 5.7% in the second quarter of 2020 year-on-year, according to a report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). Growth was 5.3% in the second quarter of 2019.
Although Kenya was somewhat spared the effects of the pandemic in the first quarter, notes the institution, the economy was significantly affected in the second quarter of 2020. “During this period, the country instituted measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus, including restricting movement within and outside certain regions, closing educational establishments, closing certain businesses, especially those that deal with medical services ‘accommodation and catering, the virtual cessation of international travel, among others. As a result, the performance of most sectors of the economy was to a large extent affected by these measures, with production being severely limited and in some cases completely halted, ”the report explains.
According to Finance Minister Ukur Yatani who spoke at a national conference on Covid-19 at the end of September, the Kenyan economy is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2020 due to “rapid economic policy”. in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. “This is the highest level in the region,” he said.
