NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has reduced its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 9.25 percent from 9.5 percent, aiming to boost private sector lending and stimulate economic growth.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said the move was informed by stable inflation and resilient economic performance, marking the eighth consecutive rate cut as the regulator seeks to spur business activity.
CBK Governor Kamau Thugge said the adjustment is intended to support credit expansion while maintaining price stability and anchoring inflation expectations.
Kenya’s overall inflation stood at 4.6 percent in September, slightly up from 4.5 percent in August, remaining below the midpoint of the 5±2.5 percent target range.
Real GDP grew by 5 percent in the second quarter of 2025, up from 4.6 percent in the same period in 2024, driven by a rebound in industry, stable agricultural growth, and resilience in transport, finance, and wholesale trade.
Similarly, lending to the private sector by commercial banks rose to 5 percent in September from 3.3 percent in August, while average lending rates fell to 15.1 percent from 15.2 percent, reflecting gradually easing borrowing costs.
