Kenya gets favourable ranking on economic competitiveness - kenyadetails

Kenya has been ranked among the top 100 most competitive nations in the world. The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) report 2014/15 released by World Economic Forum saw Kenya rise to 90th from its 96th ranking last year. Vision 2030 Delivery Board attributes the growth to institutional and policy reforms. Speaking in Nairobi, Vision 2030 Delivery Board Chairman James Mwangi, said the rise is a positive verification of private and public sector efforts to transform the country.

“The report has passed a valid verdict on Kenya’s development agenda. Focus on infrastructural growth will help solidify the country’s GCI ranking next year,” said Mwangi.

He said the board is confident that implementation of the Constitution, construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport terminal four, energy infrastructure capabilities, Galana-Kulabu Irrigation scheme and Lamu Port and Lamu-Southern Sudan Ethiopia Transport project would enhance global competitiveness. “Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a globally competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality life for its citizen,” he added. Kenya has improved its competitiveness position for three consecutive years, incredibly cementing its status as among the most improved African and sub-Sahara country on the GCI top 100 rankings.

The GCI score which aims to produce a comparative picture of what is driving competitiveness, productivity and prosperity in 144 countries, is a major dimension relied upon to evaluate Kenya’s Vision 2030 progress. Kenya’s competitiveness ranking had maintained a steady top 80 in 2003 with the dawn of the Vision 2030 blueprint but slumped to number 106 in 2012 among the 142 participating countries following the post-election crisis.