Businesses project job growth, stronger sales as festive season draws near
According to the findings, most firms still have unused capacity, allowing them to respond to surging demand without making large new investments.
Kenyan companies are predicting a busy final quarter marked by rising consumer demand, higher sales, and expanded hiring as the festive season approaches, according to the latest Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) market survey.
The assessment, which involved more than 1,000 chief executives in the private sector, shows growing confidence across industries, with most firms planning to scale up operations and increase their workforce to meet holiday-driven demand.
More To Read
- IMF questions Kenya’s exchange rate policy amid new funding negotiations
- Kenya’s care economy set for boost as policy nears approval
- Motor vehicle sales soar as lending rates fall amid economic recovery
- KRA retains fringe benefit tax rate at 8 per cent for October–December 2025
- Top 10 largest African economies in 2025 by Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Why farmers are not taking up loans for scaling up- experts
The CBK report notes that business sentiment has improved compared to July, with firms expecting stronger orders, increased turnover, and better performance across key sectors such as manufacturing, services, tourism, and agriculture.
“Demand orders, growth in sales, number of employees and production volume are higher relative to the July survey, due to the expected increase in activity during the festive season,” CBK said.
“The number of full-time employees is expected to increase as firms hire additional staff to support heightened activity during the festive period.”
According to the findings, most firms still have unused capacity, allowing them to respond to surging demand without making large new investments.
The services industry, including hotels and travel operators, anticipates a rise in bookings, conferences, and leisure travel as the holiday period nears, prompting many to extend shifts and open for longer hours to meet the seasonal spike.
The data comes amid signs of a rebound in job creation and improved market conditions in recent months.
The September Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed that private firms added new jobs at the fastest rate since early 2023, before the wave of youth-led demonstrations disrupted economic activity.
The PMI report linked this recovery to stronger demand for goods and services and renewed consumer confidence.
The September PMI rose to 51.9, up from 49.4 in August, crossing the neutral 50 mark for the first time in five months.
The improvement was supported by stronger customer demand, active marketing, and diversification of products.
Nearly one in three firms recorded higher output levels in September, while 23 per cent saw a decline, reflecting a gradual return of momentum in Kenya’s private sector.
Top Stories Today
