Kenya Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Kenya's debt service was 24.57% in 2025, ranked 20th globally. This represents a 9.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
Kenya's debt service stood at 24.57% in 2025, a decline of +2.66% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 24.57% by 2025. Kenya ranked 20th globally.
Kenya’s debt‑service burden has risen sharply since the early 2000s, reaching 24.57 percent of exports in 2025, which places the country 20th globally among the 51 years of data compiled by the World Bank. The indicator climbed from a modest 14.94 percent in 1975 to an all‑time peak of 39.77 percent in 1987, before falling to a trough of 4.32 percent in 2011, reflecting the impact of structural adjustment programmes and subsequent fiscal consolidation. The recent level is comparable to Cameroon’s 24.89 percent and Côte d’Ivoire’s 24.16 percent, underscoring a regional convergence in debt‑service pressures. The upward trajectory since the 2010s suggests that without further reforms to broaden the fiscal base or improve debt‑financing conditions, Kenya’s debt‑service ratio is likely to remain elevated, although a sustained improvement in export performance could moderate future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 26.61% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 25.59% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 24.57% | - | - |
| 2025 | 24.57% | −2.66% | #20 |
| 2024 | 27.22% | +6.11% | #91 |
| 2023 | 21.11% | +2.98% | #92 |
| 2022 | 18.13% | +1.35% | #85 |
| 2021 | 16.78% | −7.51% | #73 |
| 2020 | 24.29% | −14.14% | #84 |
| 2019 | 38.43% | +14.73% | #107 |
| 2018 | 23.70% | +9.10% | #92 |
| 2017 | 14.60% | +3.42% | #73 |
| 2016 | 11.17% | +2.84% | #55 |
| 2015 | 8.33% | −3.03% | #47 |
| 2014 | 11.36% | +6.63% | #65 |
| 2013 | 4.73% | +0.08% | #38 |
| 2012 | 4.65% | +0.33% | #36 |
| 2011 | 4.32% | −0.09% | #39 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's debt service was 24.57% in 2025. Ranked 20th globally. This represents a 9.8% decrease from the previous year.
Kenya's debt service peaked at 39.77% in 1987.
The lowest debt service in Kenya was 4.32% in 2011.
Kenya ranks 20th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's debt service is projected to reach 24.57% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Kenya in 2025 was 24.57%. This ranks 20th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_debt-service,
title = {Kenya Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}