Kenya’s economy grew 4.9 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, a similar pace to the same period a year ago, driven by growth in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, the statistics office said on Thursday.

East Africa’s largest economy remains on a trajectory of sustained economic growth but faces risks from global trade disputes, market volatility and extreme weather conditions, according to the finance ministry.

“All sectors of the economy recorded positive growths during the quarter under review, albeit in varying magnitudes,” Kenya National Bureau of Statistics said in a statement.

It added that the performance was also supported by favourable weather conditions in most parts of the country involved in crop and animal production.

However, growth in the accommodation and food service sector slowed sharply to 4.1 per cent from a 38.1 per cent expansion in the first quarter of 2024.

The information and communication sector grew 5.8 per cent, down from 9.2 per cent a year earlier, while financial and insurance activities expanded by 5.1 per cent, compared to 9.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2024.

The finance ministry projects the economy will expand by 5.3 per cent in both 2025 and 2026 helped by a stable macroeconomic environment.

• A Reuters report