National Debt (% of GDP): Kenya
Kenya's national debt (% of gdp) is currently 70.1% as of 2026. # Kenya National Debt (% of GDP) Kenya's national debt reached 70.
Current (2026)
70.1%
+3.1% y/y
Peak (2023)
73.4%
Low (2007)
34.2%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1998–2026 · 33 pts
National Debt (% of GDP) — Kenya
1998 — 2026
National Debt (% of GDP) — Kenya
Analysis# Kenya National Debt (% of GDP)
Kenya's national debt reached 70.1% of GDP in 2026, reflecting a precarious fiscal position. The country peaked at 73.4% in 2023 before declining slightly to 67.3% in 2024. This contrasts sharply with 2007, when debt stood at just 34.2% of GDP—representing an 82.1% increase over the nearly three-decade span since 1998.
The debt surge accelerated dramatically from 2017 onward. Between 2017 and 2023, the ratio jumped from 53.9% to 73.4%, driven by increased borrowing and economic pressures. A modest improvement in 2024 suggests potential stabilization, though the projected 70.1% for 2026 indicates Kenya remains vulnerable to fiscal stress. The country's debt trajectory underscores persistent challenges in managing public finances amid infrastructure investments and servicing obligations.
Historical Data
33 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 69.5% | -1.14% |
| 2029 | 70.3% | -0.85% |
| 2028 | 70.9% | -0.14% |
| 2027 | 71.0% | +1.28% |
| 2026 | 70.1% | +3.09% |
| 2025 | 68.0% | +1.04% |
| 2024 | 67.3% | -8.31% |
| 2023 | 73.4% | +8.26% |
| 2022 | 67.8% | -0.59% |
| 2021 | 68.2% | +0.29% |
| 2020 | 68.0% | +15.06% |
| 2019 | 59.1% | +4.79% |
| 2018 | 56.4% | +4.64% |
| 2017 | 53.9% | +6.94% |
| 2016 | 50.4% | +10.04% |
| 2015 | 45.8% | +10.90% |
| 2014 | 41.3% | +3.77% |
| 2013 | 39.8% | +5.85% |
| 2012 | 37.6% | +5.32% |
| 2011 | 35.7% | -2.72% |
Show all 33 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 36.7% | +1.94% |
| 2009 | 36.0% | +4.96% |
| 2008 | 34.3% | +0.29% |
| 2007 | 34.2% | -7.82% |
| 2006 | 37.1% | -0.80% |
| 2005 | 37.4% | -8.33% |
| 2004 | 40.8% | -6.85% |
| 2003 | 43.8% | +4.29% |
| 2002 | 42.0% | +1.69% |
| 2001 | 41.3% | -4.18% |
| 2000 | 43.1% | +12.24% |
| 1999 | 38.4% | -0.26% |
| 1998 | 38.5% | — |
Related Data
Other Metrics
For Kenya
Compare National Debt
Same metric, other countries
Demographics
People & population data