This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Kenya statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Kenyan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Kenyan-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all |
|---|---|
| Target |
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries |
| Indicator |
8.1.1 Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita |
| Metadata update |
2023 |
| Related indicators |
SDG8 |
| Data reporter |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Organisation |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Contact person(s) |
Senior Manager, National Accounts Statistics |
| Contact organisation unit |
National Accounts Statistics |
| Contact person function |
Designing, collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of National Accounts Statistics and other related indicators/ information |
| Contact phone |
+254-20-3317583 / +254-20-3317612 / +254-20-3317586 |
| Contact mail |
30266-00100, Nairobi- Kenya |
| Contact email |
directormacro@knbs.or.ke |
| Definition, concepts, and classifications |
DEFINITION, CONCEPTS, AND CLASSIFICATIONS |
| Definition and concepts |
Annual growth rate of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is calculated as the percentage change in the real GDP per capita of Kenya between two consecutive years. Real GDP per capita is calculated by dividing GDP at constant prices by the population of Kenya. The data for real GDP are measured in Kenya Shilings to facilitate the calculation of country growth rates and aggregation of the country data. |
| Unit of measure |
Percent GDP: Kenya Shillings Population: Number |
| Classifications |
Different versions of The System of National Accounts (1968, 1993 and 2008 SNA) International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC 4) of all Economic Activities Kenya Standard of Industrial Classification (KESIC 6) |
| Data source type and collection method |
DATA SOURCE, TYPE AND DATA COLLECTION METHOD |
| Data sources |
The underlying annual GDP estimates in Kenya Shilling is published in Economic Survey report while the underlying population estimates are obtained from the Directorate of Population and Social Statistics published in KPHC 2019 |
| Data collection method |
Surveys and Census |
| Data collection calendar |
Annual |
| Data release calendar |
April every year |
| Data providers |
Household |
| Data compilers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Institutional mandate |
According to the Statistics Act of 2006, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is mandated to collect, compile, analyze, publish and disseminate official statistics for public use |
| Other methodological considerations |
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is a proxy for the average standard of living of residents in Kenya. A positive percentage change in annual real GDP per capita can be interpreted as an increase in the average standard of living of the residents in Kenya. It does not account for the social and environmental costs of production. It is designed as a measure of the level of overall well-being. For example, growth in real GDP per capita reveals nothing concerning climate change. |
| Rationale |
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is a proxy for the average standard of living of residents in Kenya. A positive percentage change in annual real GDP per capita can be interpreted as an increase in the average standard of living of the residents in Kenya. |
| Comment and limitations |
It does not account for the social and environmental costs of production. It is designed as a measure of the level of overall well-being. For example, growth in real GDP per capita reveals nothing concerning climate change. |
| Method of computation |
The annual growth rate of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is calculated as follows: Divide the annual real GDP by the population of the country or area to obtain annual real GDP per capita in constant US dollars at 2015 prices. Calculate the annual growth rate of real GDP per capita in year t+1 using the following formula: (G_(t+1)-G_t)/G_t ×100, where Gt+1 is the real GDP per capita in 2015 US dollars in year t+1 and Gt is the real GDP per capita in 2015 US dollars in year t. |
| Validation |
The official national accounts data in Kenya Shillings are validated to check for errors. The validation procedure involves ensuring that aggregates are equal to the sum of their components and that data series which are provided in multiple tables are represented consistently. |
| Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level |
The Bureau employed use of best standards and compilation guides when coming up with the reports |
| Quality management |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is ISO certified based on 9001:2015 Standard requirements. The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control, are carried out following the methodological framework and standards established by the KNBS, in compliance with the Internationally acceptable standards |
| Quality assurance |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) before publication and dissemination. |
| Quality assessment |
The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control are subjected to a set criteria and standards to ensure conformity. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data is in Chapter 2 of the Economic Survey Report |
| Comparability/deviation from international standards |
None |
| References and Documentation |
https://www.knbs.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Economic-Survey1.pdf |
| Metadata last updated | Aug 28, 2025 |