CBK benchmark lending rate unchanged for the dozen time

The CBK has once again retaliated that its current accommodative monetary policy remains appropriate to anchor economic growth.

The hold which signalled the retention of low-interest rates on commercial bank lending was however widely expected with analysts pointing to the need for the CBK to anchor down growth in another year characterised by volatility including the upcoming August 9 general elections.

In spite of global inflationary risks, the CBK expects the cost of living to remain in check domestically with the rate of inflation held down within the government target range of 2.5 to 7.5 percent by recent interventions including electricity tariff reductions and the operation of the fuel price stabilisation mechanism.

Meanwhile, the reserve bank expects the economic rebound witnessed in the first three quarters of 2021 to persist into the New Year.

“The economy is expected to remain strong in 2022, supported by continued strong performance of the services sector, recovery in agriculture and an improvement in global demand,” the CBK said.

CBK’s three MPC surveys’ conducted earlier this month on Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), markets and hotels continue to reveal optimism about business activity and economic growth prospects in 2022.

The banking industry remains stable and resilient with the stock of gross non-performing loans (NPLs) falling to 13.1 per cent at the end of December from 13.6 per cent in October with notable recoveries in the sectors of manufacturing, personal and household loans, transport & communication and construction.

At the same time, private sector credit growth has increased to 8.6 per cent in December 2021 from 7.8 per cent in October with the largest recipients of credits being the sectors of transport & communication, manufacturing, trade, consumer durables and business services.

The CBK MPC is expected to convene again in March.