Kenya’s economy grew 4.7 % in 2013: minister

Kenya’s economy grew by a slower-than-expected 4.7 percent in 2013 mainly because drought hurt agriculture output, the planning minister said yesterday.

The economy expanded by 4.6 percent in 2012 and the government had expected growth of 5 percent in 2013.

“This was lower than what was expected,” Cabinet Secretary for Planning Anne Waiguru told a news conference.

The government has previously forecast economic growth of 5.8 percent this year.

The minister said the disappointing 2013 performance was driven by slower growth in the vital agricultural sector due to drought. The sector grew 2.9 percent in 2013 compared to revised growth of 4.2 percent a year earlier.

Kenya relies

heavily on exports of agricultural produce, such as coffee and tea. Coffee output was down 20 percent last year, contributing to a drop in total exports last year.

The minister also said high lending rates dragged down overall economic performance in 2013.