Kenya's central bank left its Central Bank Rate (CBR) unchanged at 11.50 percent, as expected, saying the current policy measures "are appropriate to maintain market stability and anchor inflation expectations."
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which has raised its rate by 300 basis points this year, said recent "turbulent conditions" in financial markets had now abated and a decline in 3-month annualized non-food, non-fuel (NFNF) inflation indicated "moderating demand pressures."
Last week CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge said the central bank's tighter policy had helped bring down inflation expectations and inflation was "back in control," raising expectations that the bank would maintain rates today.
On Oct. 13 the central bank placed Imperial Bank Ltd, the country's 19th largest bank, in receivership for a year due to "unsafe and unsound business conditions," worrying some of its depositors while there was also pressure in markets due to the government's borrowing plan.
Two days later the central bank sought to calm market concern, saying the banking system was safe and robust and it was ready to use all instruments to provide adequate liquidity.
Kenya's headline inflation rate rose to 6.72 percent in October from 5.97 percent, but this remained within the government's target range while NFNF inflation rose to 4.8 percent from 4.7 percent due to an increase in some food prices and the comparison to last year.
The government targets inflation in a range of 2.5 percent to 7.5 percent.
But the CBK said 3-month annualized NFNF inflation declined to 2.5 percent in October from 3.4 percent in September, and the foreign exchange market had also been stable since September while the current account deficit had narrowed on lower cost of oil imports and lower consumer imports.
Kenya's shilling began depreciating sharply in March this year but after hitting 106 to the U.S. dollar in early September, it has been firming since early October. Today the shilling was trading at 102.2 to the dollar, down 11.4 percent since the beginning of the year.
The central bank's foreign exchange reserves rose to US$6.777 billion, or 4.3 months of imports, from $6.116 billion at the end of September, with the increase due to purchases of foreign exchange on the market and funds from the government's syndicated loan, the CBK said.
The Central Bank of Kenya issued the following statement:
"The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on November 17, 2015, to review market
developments and the outcomes of its previous monetary policy decisions. Since the MPC
meeting of September 2015, turbulent conditions emerged in the financial markets, primarily
due to pressures on the Government borrowing plan and the placement of Imperial Bank
Limited into receivership. These adverse conditions have now abated. The following
developments were also noted:
In September and October 2015, liquidity conditions were tight with short-term interest
rates remaining above the Central Bank Rate (CBR). The significant rise in Treasury bill
rates also reflected Government domestic borrowing. However, a notable improvement
in liquidity conditions has been recorded in November, with the interbank and Treasury
bill rates declining. The distribution of liquidity was also enhanced through Reverse
Repos, thus addressing the temporary shortages in segments of the market.
The fiscal measures taken by the National Treasury, including the issuance of a
syndicated loan in November, have eased pressures on Government domestic borrowing
and interest rates. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is working closely with the
National Treasury to strengthen the coordination of monetary and fiscal policies to
support overall macroeconomic stability.
Although the banking sector is liquid and well capitalized, credit and liquidity risks—
largely from market segmentation—remain. The CBK is closely monitoring the sector
and continues to address and support financial stability. In particular, it notes the recent
reduction in short-term interest rates and expects them to be transmitted to commercial
lending rates.
Overall month-on-month inflation increased to 6.7 percent in October 2015, from 6.0
percent in September, but remained within the Government target range. Month-onmonth
non-food-non-fuel (NFNF) inflation rose marginally to 4.8 percent in October
from 4.7 percent in September. The rise in inflation was largely due to increases in the
prices of some food items, and a significant base effect. However, the 3-month
annualised NFNF inflation declined to 2.5 percent in October from 3.4 percent in
September, indicating moderating demand pressure due to the impact of the monetary
policy measures.
The foreign exchange market has been stable since September supported by CBK’s
monetary policy operations. Furthermore, the current account deficit narrowed, mainly
due to a lower oil import bill, and a slowdown in consumer imports. Diaspora
remittances remain strong.
The CBK’s foreign exchange reserves stands at USD 6,777.2 million (4.3 months of
import cover) from USD 6,115.9 million (3.9 months of import cover) at the end of
September. The build-up in reserves was supported by purchases of foreign exchange
from the market and proceeds of the Government’s syndicated loan. These reserves,
together with the Precautionary Arrangements with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), continue to provide an adequate buffer against short-term shocks.
The CBK’s Market Perceptions Survey of November 2015 showed that private sector
firms expect growth to be resilient in 2015 and to pick up in 2016 supported mainly by
infrastructure investments. The Survey also showed that inflation expectations are
moderating supported by lower oil and food prices. However, respondents flagged a rise
in U.S. interest rates as a risk to the inflation outlook through its impact on the exchange
rate. In addition, the El Niño rains remain a threat to stability of food prices if it disrupts
the food supply chains.
Global economic growth has been weaker than expected, but indications are for a gradual
pickup in 2016, driven mainly by the U.S. economy. However, the prospects for slower
growth in China could lower growth in emerging and frontier market economies. In
addition, the financial markets remain uncertain in respect of the timing of the increase in
U.S. interest rates and the easing of monetary policy in the Euro Area.
The Committee concluded that the monetary policy measures in place are appropriate to
maintain market stability and anchor inflation expectations. The MPC therefore decided to
retain the CBR at 11.50 percent. The CBK will continue to use the instruments at its disposal
to maintain overall price and financial sector stability. "
www.CentralBankNews.info
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