Kenya, UAE Private Sectors Post Strongest Growth in Seven Months

Kenya's private sector showed signs of recovery in September 2025, with the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 51.9 from 49.4 in August, marking the first expansion in five months. The rebound was driven by growth in output, new orders, and employment, while supply-side pressures eased, leading to shorter delivery times and moderated input price inflation, although construction sector output declined. Similarly, the UAE's non-oil private sector experienced its strongest expansion in seven months, with the S&P Global UAE PMI rising to 54.2 from 53.3 in August, fueled by a sharp rise in new business inflows, employment gains, and sustained optimism. The growth in the UAE was largely supported by domestic demand, with new orders from foreign clients also increasing, while firms cautiously managed inventories amid competitive pressures. Both countries’ PMI gains indicate improving business conditions and economic momentum following previous months of subdued activity and challenges. Economists highlighted these PMI readings as signals of recovery and positive momentum in their respective private sectors, with cautious optimism for continued growth ahead.