Kenya’s PMI eases to 55.1 in May

By bne IntelliNews June 4, 2015

Kenya’s whole economy Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by Markit on behalf of CfC Stanbic Bank, eased in May, but still signalled that business conditions in the East African country are improving at a robust pace, underpinned by a strong growth in new orders and a survey-record rise in employment, Markit said in a statement. The seasonally-adjusted PMI fell to 55.1 last month from 56.2 in April.

The rise in new business, which was stronger than the series average, was supported by another increase in new export orders during the month. On the other hand, private sector output growth was slower than in April and below the series average.

“Notably, cost pressures intensified with both input and output prices rising sharply probably due to the weakness in the Shilling which increased the cost of imports for most firms. The cost pressures arising from the weaker currency aren’t likely to be entrenched considering that policymakers are likely to take measures to manage the pace of this depreciation while keeping a close eye on the trade weighted Shilling,” CfC Stanbic Bank economist Jibran Qureishi said in the statement.

The CfC Stanbic Bank Kenya PMI covers Kenya’s agriculture, mining, manufacturing, services, construction, and retail sectors.

Related Articles

Johannesburg Stock Exchange eases listing requirements to encourage small caps to stay

South Africa's main bourse, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), has amended some listing requirements to make it easier for smaller firms to raise capital and meet compliance costs. The ... more

Equatorial Guinea awards Petrofac $350mn five-year contract centred on Zafiro oilfield

Petrofac has been awarded a $350mn technical services contract by Equatorial Guinea's state oil company to support its operations in offshore Block B when it takes over the asset from ExxonMobil (US) ... more

Namibian community rejects green hydrogen port expansion project serving Germany’s Hyphen

Leaders of Namibia's Nama ethnic group have rejected a proposal by national port authority Namport to expand a facility on Shark Island – a heritage site sacred to the community – to facilitate ... more

Dismiss