'A delayed start to the long rain season (March – May 2019) could affect the planting season-resulting in poor harvests.

In addition, the below average short rains (October – December 2018) and the ensuing food shortages across several counties in the northern part of the country that has prompted emergency interventions, could impose unanticipated fiscal pressure constraining development spending.

These developments have slowed the growth forecast for 2019'.

Comment

Agriculture remains a key driver of growth in Kenya and a major contributor to poverty reduction. Building farmer resilience to climate change through afforestation, improved soil and land management techniques, irrigation and other interventions is key in the long run.

While 83% of Kenya’s land area is arid and semi-arid, 2% of arable land is under irrigation compared to an average of 6% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 37% in Asia.

Currently, the low usage of irrigation means Kenya’s agriculture (like in elsewhere in East Africa) is fully rain dependent and susceptible to drought shocks.