The State of The Hustle: Five Major Economic Wins in 2025

We usually don’t scroll through pages of economic data or statistical yearbooks, but if ever there was a time to pay attention, it’s now.

The 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) dropped this week – it’s perfect mirror of where we stand and where we’re headed.

And no, it’s not just for economists in suits. It’s for every mama mboga, every student, every boda rider, every entrepreneur chasing a dream.

We’ve combed through the maze and spotlighted five key areas that affect all of us – no jargon, just facts with a pulse.

1. Jobs: Who’s Hiring?

Jobs are bouncing back.

In 2024, the number of people in formal employment hit 3.3 million, up by 3.7%. What’s driving this? The private sector.

It created 91,800 new jobs, dwarfing the 27,100 added by the public sector. But let’s not forget: informal employment – think jua kali, market stalls, gigs – still accounts for over 80% of all jobs.

That’s 16.8 million hustles powering the nation.

So yes, the economy is healing. But the spotlight must stay on dignifying informal work and ensuring youth and women get a bigger slice of the employment pie.

2. Big Strides in Infrastructure

If you’ve been stuck in traffic or dodging potholes, here’s some hope.

The government spent KSh 471.9 billion on roads, rail, ports, and housing – a 13.2% jump from the previous year.

This isn’t just concrete and tarmac; it’s a signal of serious intent to connect people, markets, and opportunities.

Road construction took the lion’s share, with 11,908 km of roads under maintenance or development.

Housing projects, under the Affordable Housing Programme, also picked up pace – and we’re seeing more keys handed to first-time homeowners.

3. Industry & Manufacturing

Manufacturing grew by 2.0% in 2024.

Not explosive, but steady. Food and beverages led the pack, contributing over 40% of the total manufacturing output. Cement, sugar, and steel were also on the up.

But we still import more than we make.

The message is clear – we must produce more locally, and the government’s focus on value addition and Buy Kenya, Build Kenya must now translate into real action on the ground.

4. Trade & Investment: Who’s Buying What?

Kenya exported goods worth KSh 1 trillion, up from KSh 873 billion.

That’s progress – especially in tea, horticulture, and apparel. But imports still dominate, clocking in at KSh 2.5 trillion. That’s a trade deficit of KSh 1.5 trillion.

However, the rise in exports means local producers are finding footing globally.

What’s needed now is more muscle for SMEs, easing logistics, and pushing regional trade aggressively under the AfCFTA umbrella.

5. Money Matters: Banking & Finance

The financial sector is holding strong. Commercial bank deposits grew by 11.4%, hitting KSh 5.2 trillion.

Lending to the private sector increased too, a good sign for business growth.

Mobile money remains king – with over 2 billion transactions made through services like M-PESA and Airtel Money.

In short, more Kenyans are banking, saving, and transacting digitally. The shift to mobile and agency banking is not just convenience – it’s power in your palm.

In a Nutshell …… 

The 2025 Economic Survey doesn’t just capture numbers – it tells the story of resilience, rebuilding, and recalibration.

We’re not yet at the summit, but the path is clearing.

The government’s agenda is clear: build, empower, include. It’s now up to us – citizens, businesses, communities – to plug in, participate, and push forward.