Finance analysts propose measures to cushion Kenyan economy from COVID-19 shocks

Investment and Financial analysts say Kenya could safely navigate the aftermath of Coronavirus, proposing a raft of measures that can cushion Kenya’s economy from the negative impacts of COVID- 19.

According to a survey conducted by the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts, the Government of Kenya needs to urgently seek to re-finance its debt cheaply in the international markets with interest rates at 0%.

In the short term, the survey recommends fiscal consolidation at the National and County levels of government to reduce deficits and accumulation of debt.

“In so doing, the Government could consider to engage fiscal consolidation to mitigate the risks of the pandemic failure to which could cause a rise in the cost of borrowing for the Government and undermine macroeconomic stability with widespread economic costs,” the survey report says in part.

Other short term measures include restructuring of the current Government debt, further reduction of the Central Bank Rate, price controls to prevent inflation due to reduced supply, good governance and proper use of resources.

Further, ICIFA opines that Government must take prompt actions and measures to address emerging global issues by reducing poverty, investing in food security and growing the economy and halting all development expenditure and allocate the funds to more urgent sectors such as healthcare in increasing diagnostic capacity and setting up more ICU beds in
the counties.

The proposals include embarking on public education of the citizens on crisis management to enable the country deal with situations of pandemics, enforce strong austerity measures through the National Treasury to ensure the country’s budget is balanced and surplus created.

The respondents of the survey opine that the Government should support public campaigns on personal budgeting to create a string saving culture in Kenya.

In summary, the survey identified the following priorities:

1. Invest in local manufacturing to avoid over reliance on imports at a time of crisis
2. Institute a robust healthcare system that is responsive to the citizenry and in constant
   communication with global trends
3. Invest in sufficient skilled medical personnel who are trained on pandemic response
4. Invest in research and innovation in the health sector
5. Effective monitoring of borders and entry points
6. Identify a committee of experts drawn from professional bodies from relevant sectors to
   provide recommendations on a quarterly basis on potential impacts on government
   directives.
   The respondents of the survey were drawn from the public and private sectors.