Kenya External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Kenya's external debt to gni was 36.55% in 2025, ranked 67th globally. This represents a 4.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Kenya's external debt to gni stood at 36.55% in 2025, a rise of +1.56pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36.55% by 2025. Kenya ranked 67th globally.
Kenya’s external debt-to‑gross national income ratio stands at 36.55 % in 2025, placing the country at 67th position globally. The indicator has been tracked for 56 years, rising from an early‑record 30.21 % in 1970 to a dramatic peak of 131.90 % in 1993, a period marked by structural adjustment programmes and large external borrowings. A pronounced reversal occurred in the post‑global‑financial‑crisis era, when the ratio fell to a trough of 21.45 % in 2008 as fiscal consolidation and debt‑service relief measures took effect. Since then, the ratio has gradually climbed, remaining close to peers such as Honduras (37.31 %) and Belize (36.37 %). Continued improvements in debt‑management capacity, coupled with diversified financing sources, could moderate the upward trajectory, while any resurgence of fiscal deficits or external shocks would likely reverse the recent modest gains.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 35.80% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36.17% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 36.55% | - | - |
| 2025 | 36.55% | +1.56pp | #67 |
| 2024 | 34.99% | −5.43pp | #35 |
| 2023 | 40.42% | +3.55pp | #47 |
| 2022 | 36.88% | −1.23pp | #36 |
| 2021 | 38.10% | +0.06pp | #39 |
| 2020 | 38.05% | +2.64pp | #36 |
| 2019 | 35.40% | +0.79pp | #41 |
| 2018 | 34.61% | +1.12pp | #44 |
| 2017 | 33.49% | +4.96pp | #40 |
| 2016 | 28.53% | −2.77pp | #36 |
| 2015 | 31.31% | +3.39pp | #44 |
| 2014 | 27.92% | +2.64pp | #44 |
| 2013 | 25.28% | +1.70pp | #42 |
| 2012 | 23.58% | −0.36pp | #38 |
| 2011 | 23.93% | +1.64pp | #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 external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's external debt to gni was 36.55% in 2025. Ranked 67th globally. This represents a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
Kenya's external debt to gni peaked at 131.90% in 1993.
The lowest external debt to gni in Kenya was 21.45% in 2008.
Kenya ranks 67th globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's external debt to gni is projected to reach 36.55% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Kenya in 2025 was 36.55%. This ranks 67th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Kenya External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}