Kenya has caught the eye of the world for its tremendous developmental progress over the last decade.

In this article, we will discuss the sectors within the state that have boosted the country's developmental goals.

Before the covid 19 pandemic, Kenya has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the continent, with an annual average growth of 5.9% between 2010 and 2018. It has a GDP of $95 billion and recently reached lower-middle-income status according to world standards. It is characterized by a diverse and dynamic economy consisting of;

1Agriculture

Agriculture like most African countries, the agricultural sector is the backbone of Kenya's economy contributing approximately 33 percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It is the main employer in the country with a total of up to 40%of the population in the sector and up to 70% of the rural folk. The industry is diverse in horticulture, fishing, and animal keeping.

The Kenyan flower industry can now measure its carbon emissions following the development of a customized calculator for growers of cut flowers.

During the launch of the carbon emission customized calculator, farmers described it as a practical tool and industry associations as giving the Kenyan industry a competitive edge in an international market that is increasingly concerned with emissions disclosure.

This is a strategic step towards establishing itself as a trustworthy trader on the international scene. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, agriculture comprises 65% of export earnings. It is the largest employer in the country, with more than 40% of the total population and more than 70% of Kenya’s rural population earning at least part of their income from the sector.

2Partnerships

An economy cannot prosper on its own. Partnerships with the outside world are important.

One key partner is the US through the USAIDwhichich is working together and the private sector to establish a secure trade regiment within Kenya and East Africa Community. They promote two-way trade and investment linkages between Kenya and the U.S. USAID supports a range of trade-related areas including:

• Capacity building.

• Building a private sector enabling environment.

• Better market access.

• Increased food security, the introduction of smart technology, and incorporation of other techniques in agriculture.

•Export promotion, through establishing favorable tariffs, and means of transport.

Trade relations with the Netherlands have also established their roots in Kenya mostly because of its location in the east within the community. Investing in this region means access to a market of over 135 million from all the countries collectively, and an abundant, mobile and entrepreneurial young workforce.

In 2014, the total imports and exports between Kenya and the Netherlands were more than € 510 million. Kenya mostly imports services, chemicals, machinery, transport equipment, and engines while major imports from Kenya are horticultural products, flowers, tobacco, and raw materials. The Netherlands is the third export market for Kenya.

3Trade

Kenya has established trade ties with many countries in the world. Recently China has become a good business partner with billion worth of investments and loans. In 2021, the United States reported a goods trade deficit with Kenya, with U.S. exports valued at $551 million and imports from Kenya valued at$685 million. U.S. exports were concentrated in petroleum products, pharmaceutical products, and aircraft parts. Imports from Kenya consisted mostly of apparel, macadamia nuts, and coffee.

U.S. imports from Kenya have grown by more than 10% annually since 2001 when AGOA’s tariff benefits took effect. Kenya has the strongest industrial base in the east Africa region and has been successful in attracting U.S. exporters and investors, with many companies establishing local and regional operations to take advantage of Kenya’s strategic location, diversified economy, entrepreneurial workforce, comprehensive air routes, and status as a regional financial center.

Kenya has built strong bilateral and multilateral trade relationships. Kenya is a member of the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

4Technology

Technology remains one of the fastest-growing business sectors in Kenya, with internet penetration of 34.9% and ranking seventh in Africa in overall internet use. The rise of the young educated generation and ease of access had made the internet wholesome.

Kenya's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector grow an average of 10.8% annually over the last few years becoming a significant source of economic development and job creation with spillover effects in almost every sector of the economy. The country’s ICT sector is set to account for up to 7% of the country’s GDP through information technology enables services. Internet access has continued to spur economic growth which contributed to the government’s development.

5Tourism

The tourism sector in Kenya is one of the most diverse in east Africa, it is one of the most favorable destinations for tourists all over the world. It's famous for the big five, beautiful savannah, stretching beaches, and untold sunsets. It is one of the main sources of foreign revenue for the government. The government is investing heavily and the number of tourists has significant increases, especially after covid 19.

6Strong Policies

The Kenyan Constitution protects private property and provides safeguards against the appropriation of such property without payment.

Kenya is also a signatory to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, an agency of the World Bank, and a Member of the International Council of Settlement of Investment Disputes. In case of Commercial disputes, Kenya has a Commercial Court under the Kenyan Judiciary. The promulgation of the new constitution in 2010 has further incorporated the lacking sectors making it more reliable to foster a conducive environment.

The government operates sound macroeconomic policies that promote growth by providing a more secure environment for private-sector investment decisions.

7Education

"Learning remains one of the most critical assets for any country to promote equitable growth and poverty reduction, and that cannot happen without a solid foundation,” said Pedro Cerdan-Infantes, World Bank Senior Economist.

“While the Education sector faces treacherous sources of inequality including uneven quality and results, Kenya has embarked on ambitious reforms to address the quality issues rather than considering the job done by near-universal access and coverage.” Education in every sense is one of the essential aspects of development. No country can achieve endurable economic development without considerable investment in human capital like soft and hard skills. Education enriches people's awareness of themselves and the world.

Education directly improves the quality of life of the people through ease of understanding and accessing resources and utilizing it. Education raises people's productivity and imagination promoting a creative mind that benefits the whole community in the long run.

Kenya has made notable steps towards its prosperity. There is still a lot to be done.