Though debilitated by decades of poor governance and lack of investment, Kenya’s economy is still the largest and most diversified in the region. At the end of 2002, peaceful and democratic elections brought to power an opposition coalition, the first government not led by the party that had governed Kenya since independence.
The new administration promised to focus on economic growth, combat corruption, improve education, and pursue judicial and political reforms. There is, however, mounting concern that the new government is moving too slowly on reforms. Current USAID programs focus on governance, sustainable use of natural resources, agriculture, economic growth, health, and education.
| Key Development Data & Statistics |
Year |
Latest Data |
| External debt stocks (% of GNI) |
2007 |
73.6 |
| GDP (current US$) (billions) |
2007 |
24.2 |
| GNI per capita, Atlas method (current US$) |
2007 |
640 |
| Population, total (millions) |
2007 |
37.5 |
| Population growth (annual %) |
2007 |
3 |
| Exports (current US$) (billions) |
2008 |
4.882 |
| Imports (current US$) (billions) |
2008 |
10.77 |
Top Exports: tea, horticulture products, coffee
|
Top Imports: machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products
|
|
|
Source: World Bank Group 2009, CIA World Factbook 2009
For additional economic indicators, please visit the World Bank's "
Private Sector at a Glance."
