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Confidence and challenges in a tech and AI age

PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey: Kenya perspective
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  • Publication
  • April 17, 2026

Kenyan CEOs are navigating a period of renewed confidence even as levels of uncertainty remain. While optimism around domestic economic growth is improving, leaders remain focused on near‑term priorities as they manage external pressures, accelerated technological change, and the need to reinvent their businesses for long‑term value. 

Kang’e Saiti

“Kenyan business leaders are optimistic, but turning AI readiness into consistent execution will be critical for long‑term value.”

Kang’e Saiti, Regional Senior Partner, Eastern Africa, Country Senior Partner, Kenya

I am pleased to share the Kenya perspective of PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey. Kenyan CEOs reported renewed confidence as domestic pressures eased and sector outlooks improved, in line with broader East African trends. 

Despite the improving outlook, at the time of this survey, CEOs remained mindful of external pressures that could influence performance. Evolving tariff policies were particularly significant for Kenya, where export competitiveness remained closely linked to global value chains and access to efficient trade routes under African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). In parallel, leaders continue to manage skills shortages, regulatory demands, technology disruption and increasing cyber risks. 

Reinvention is progressing, though many organisations still need to convert their cultural and technological readiness - especially around Artificial Intelligence (AI), into more consistent execution. Looking ahead, CEOs are prioritising disciplined growth, technology enabled investment and opportunities in adjacent sectors, with innovation remaining central to long‑term value. 

We hope this report supports meaningful dialogue as organisations navigate their path forward.  

For further guidance, please get in touch with me or any of our PwC Partners.

Only have a minute? Here’s an executive summary of insights. Key findings

Confidence rising, readiness uneven

  • Kenyan CEOs remained cautiously optimistic about global economic growth, showing stronger confidence in territorial economic growth (2026: 68% vs 2025: 48%).
  • 46% of CEOs were confident about their company’s revenue growth over the next 12 months, supported by easing inflation, improved monetary policy and currency stability – this confidence was even stronger for the next three years.

Threat exposure: Concerns but not deal breakers

  • In late 2025, tariffs ranked as a major concern for Kenyan CEOs compared to their African and East African peers. This reflected Kenya’s reliance on exports driven by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Macroeconomic volatility and technological disruption were also cited as concerns, with disruption levels significantly higher than in 2025.
  • 46% of CEOs expected their net profit margins to decline over the following 12 months due to tariffs.

The Reinvention imperative: AI, innovation and transformation

  • A significant gap exists between Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness and execution, underscoring the need for greater investment in AI skills and innovation ecosystems.
  • Although Kenyan CEOs place high value on innovation relative to regional peers, geopolitical uncertainty dampened appetite for new investment.
  • CEOs remain focused on short-term horizons, constraining capacity for longterm, future focused investments.

Strategic growth

  • 62% of CEOs said they competed in new industries over the past five years.
  • 54% planned one or more acquisitions over the next three years, while 32% planned none – consistent with a strong ‘run the business’ mindset.
  • Top investment destinations remained neighbouring East African markets, aligned with rising intra-EAC trade and regional integration priorities.

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PwC’s 29th Annual Global CEO Survey: Kenya perspective

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Kang'e Saiti

Kang'e Saiti

Regional Senior Partner, PwC East Market Area, and Country Senior Partner, PwC Kenya

Tel: +254 (0) 20 285 5000

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Angela Wanjeri

Angela Wanjeri

Clients and Markets Development, PwC Kenya

Tel: +254 (0) 20 285 5000

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