NAIROBI, Kenya, June 17 – Kenyan chief executives remain optimistic about business growth over the next 12 months, citing favourable weather conditions, increased infrastructure investment and rising adoption of digital technologies, according to the latest Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) CEO Survey.
The survey, conducted between May 4 and 22, 2026, found that business leaders expect stronger economic activity supported by improved agricultural output, a stable exchange rate, growing private sector credit and seasonal demand across key sectors.
“Respondents in the agriculture sector expect enhanced production supported by favourable weather conditions and supportive government policies, particularly in the provision of fertilizer subsidies,” the report stated.
The financial services sector is expected to benefit from growing demand for digital products, customer acquisition initiatives and increased marketing of financial services.
Similarly, respondents in the ICT sector anticipate growth driven by increased uptake of digital financial services, including investment and wealth management products, alongside expanding digital payments activity.
The tourism industry is also expected to perform better with the onset of the peak travel season. However, executives warned that growth could be constrained by competition from alternative accommodation providers such as Airbnb, high operating costs and reduced international arrivals linked to geopolitical tensions.
Professional services firms also expect improved performance, supported by innovation and sustained demand for essential services.
Despite the positive outlook, CEOs identified several risks that could slow growth, including escalating geopolitical conflicts, disruptions to global trade and supply chains, rising fuel and energy costs, and persistent inflationary pressures.
Other concerns include the high cost of doing business, regulatory burdens, weaker consumer demand and a potential decline in investor confidence.
“On the other hand, growth in the manufacturing and wholesale and retail sectors is expected to slow down due to rising production and operational costs, the impact of geopolitical tensions on trade flows and input supplies, and weaker demand,” the report noted.
Globally, business leaders expect economic growth to moderate over the next year amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which could drive up oil prices, disrupt supply chains and sustain inflationary pressures.
The survey also highlighted emerging risks associated with increased technology adoption, including labour market disruptions and growing cybersecurity threats.
