Kenya Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Kenya's government debt to gdp was 68.02% in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1998–2025.
Overview
Kenya's government debt to gdp stood at 68.02% in 2025, a rise of +0.68% from 2024. The IMF projects 68.02% by 2025. Kenya ranked 53rd globally.
Kenya’s general government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen steadily over the 28‑year series, climbing from 38.50 % in 1998 to a peak of 73.41 % in 2023 before easing to 68.02 % in 2025, placing the country 53rd in the global ranking. The trough of 34.20 % recorded in 2007 reflects a period of relatively low borrowing, after which fiscal consolidation gave way to higher deficits amid infrastructure expansion and pandemic‑related spending. The 2025 figure is marginally lower than the all‑time high yet still exceeds the debt ratios of peers such as Israel (69.24 %) and Malaysia (70.44 %). Continued pressure from external debt service, coupled with the need for public investment, suggests that without stronger fiscal discipline or growth‑enhancing reforms, the debt ratio is likely to remain near the current level, while any sustained improvement in primary balances could gradually reverse the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 69.47% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 70.30% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 70.87% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 71.04% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 70.08% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 68.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 68.02% | +0.68% | #53 |
| 2024 | 67.34% | −6.07% | #126 |
| 2023 | 73.41% | +5.61% | #133 |
| 2022 | 67.80% | −0.43% | #124 |
| 2021 | 68.23% | +0.27% | #118 |
| 2020 | 67.96% | +8.87% | #114 |
| 2019 | 59.09% | +2.64% | #121 |
| 2018 | 56.45% | +2.58% | #117 |
| 2017 | 53.87% | +3.47% | #109 |
| 2016 | 50.40% | +4.57% | #106 |
| 2015 | 45.83% | +4.55% | #101 |
| 2014 | 41.28% | +1.53% | #93 |
| 2013 | 39.76% | +2.14% | #93 |
| 2012 | 37.62% | +1.93% | #100 |
| 2011 | 35.69% | −1.01% | #91 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's government debt to gdp was 68.02% in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Kenya's government debt to gdp peaked at 73.41% in 2023.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Kenya was 34.20% in 2007.
Kenya ranks 53rd globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Kenya's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 68.02% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Kenya in 2025 was 68.02%. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Kenya Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}