Kenya's economy expanded by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in tourism and transport sectors according to the latest report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics published its Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Report on Friday, July 10. It showed the accommodation and food service sector expanded by 14.7 per cent compared to 8.0 per cent in the same period of 2025. International arrivals through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport rose 13.1 per cent to 506,622 visitors.
The transport sector grew 3.6 per cent. Standard Gauge Railway passenger numbers increased 12.3 per cent to 595,000 while cargo rose 12.7 per cent to 2.05 million metric tonnes. The Port of Mombasa recorded a 3.7 per cent rise in cargo throughput to 10.99 million metric tonnes.
Manufacturing grew to 4.4 per cent from 2.8 per cent a year earlier. Construction expanded by 6.6 per cent and agriculture, forestry and fishing by 4.9 per cent. Inflation rose to 4.35 per cent from 3.45 per cent while the current account deficit widened from Ksh70 billion to Ksh120.9 billion.
