CBK Expected to Hold Lending Rate at 10.75% in April, Cut to 9.5% by Year-End

Analysts expect the Central Bank of Kenya to cut lending rates to below 10 per cent by the end of 2025 for the first time in nearly 18 years.

This means Kenyans could enjoy even cheaper loans by the end of the year, potentially sparking a further spending and investment spree.

The analysts interviewed by international publication Reuters, however, indicate that they expect CBK to retain the benchmark lending rate at 10.75 per cent in April.  The apex bank has cut 200 basis points since August last year.

According to the survey conducted on March 10 and March 26, which interviewed 10 analysts, nearly all concurred with Kenya retaining its base lending rate at 10.75 per cent.  A photo of the Central Bank of Kenya Photo KO Associates The Central Bank Rate (CBR) is the interest rate at which the CBK lends to commercial banks and is the tool used to either cool the market or stimulate it.