MSME’s to drive GDP growth in 2019 if there is liquidity: CBK - Capital Business
Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Finance

MSME’s to drive GDP growth in 2019 if there is liquidity: CBK

CBK Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge said Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises are expected to support growth in 2019 provided access to finance is unlocked.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 29 – Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has projected that the GDP will maintain its momentum carried over from the first quarter of 2018 where the economy grew by 6 percent compared to 4.7 percent in 2017.

In a statement, MPC Chair and CBK Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge said Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises are expected to support growth in 2019 provided access to finance is unlocked.

“Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) remained resilient in 2018 and are expected to support growth in 2019, to the extent that their constraints, including access to finance, are alleviated,” said Njoroge.

Private sector credit growth is expected to strengthen in 2019 relative to 2018, with the anticipated higher economic activity and easing credit risk, according to the committee.

Additionally, the alignment of Government spending to the Big 4 priority sectors is expected to boost economic activity in manufacturing, agriculture, construction and real estate, and health sectors.

“Growth is expected to remain strong in 2019, supported by agricultural production, a stable macroeconomic environment, and continued improvement in the business environment,” read the statement.

In 2018, improved performance reflected higher agricultural production, the continued recovery of the manufacturing sector, and the buoyant services sector, particularly trade, information and communication, accommodation and restaurants, transport and storage, and real estate.

The MPC decided to retain the CBR at 9.00 percent as it continues to monitor local and international developments.

Advertisement

More on Capital Business