(Ecofin Agency) - In 2019, drought could negatively affect Kenya’s economy by hitting the agricultural sector, the World Bank announced in a new report published this week.

According to the institution, the country’s growth could fall from the initial forecast (published in October 2018 at 5.8%) to 5.7% due to the impact that drought could have on the country’s agricultural sector that represents about one-third of its GDP.

“Risks include drought conditions that could curtail agricultural output, especially if the country’s grain-growing counties are affected,” the institution indicated according to Reuters.

Coupled with external risks (trade tensions that could affect Kenya’s exports) and difficulties in domestic revenue mobilization, these factors could negatively impact the performances of the East African country this year.  

Last week, its president Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the country’s economy should grow to 6.3% this year thanks to future investments in the framework of the Big Four Agenda.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou