The Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) latest survey reveals growing optimism among business leaders in the country. The survey, conducted in September 2026, indicates that many CEOs and business executives are more confident about the economic outlook. This optimism is attributed to increased customer orders and higher spending during the festive season.

The CBK survey highlights that tourism and holiday-related activities are contributing to a more positive business environment. Business leaders note that the seasonal demand is helping to stabilize operations and improve cash flow. However, challenges such as rising electricity costs and delayed tax refunds remain.

This shift in confidence follows a period of economic uncertainty. Previous reports suggested that cheaper credit alone was insufficient to support small businesses. The current survey suggests that combined with seasonal demand, financial relief is beginning to have a more noticeable impact. The CBK continues to monitor economic indicators to guide policy decisions.