Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in Kenya are optimistic about the global economic outlook and their territory’s economic growth despite ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions. This is according to PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, launched in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 25, 2025.
The report, which surveyed CEOs across various sectors in Kenya, highlights that while CEOs are optimistic, 35% of them believe their company will not be viable beyond the next decade if it continues on its current path.
Among those who do not expect their companies to last without significant change, 44% cite shifts in the regulatory environment as having the biggest influence on their economic viability.
However, the remaining 65% believe their businesses will thrive for more than 10 years without changes in business operations.
“This confidence is underpinned by a focus on strategic planning, innovation, and adapting to evolving market conditions,” reads part of the survey.
In East Africa, the number of those who fear they can close stands at 38% while globally it increases to 41%.
The survey reveals that 60% of Kenyan CEOs anticipate an improvement in global growth over the next 12 months, while 48% express cautious confidence in the local economy.
The report highlights that while CEOs are optimistic, they remain vigilant about key threats.
This include Inflation (35%), macroeconomic volatility (28%), geopolitical conflicts (25%), and cyber risks (25%) are identified as major concerns for the year ahead.
Global CEO Survey Findings on AI Integration for Growth
The survey indicates a strong emphasis on AI integration to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth.
50% of Kenyan CEOs personally trust having AI embedded into key processes.
Over the next three years, they predict that AI will be systematically integrated into their technology platforms (50%), business processes and workflows (48%), and workforce skills (33%).
This includes automating routine tasks, improving decision-making through data analytics, and enhancing customer experiences with AI-powered solutions.
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Reinvention for Long-Term Viability
Kenyan CEOs are actively reinventing their businesses to adapt to changing market dynamics.
They are developing innovative products (48%), targeting new customer bases (43%), and exploring new routes to the market (43%).
These strategic actions are aimed at diversifying revenue streams, increasing market share, and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
53% of Kenyan CEOs indicated that their company had begun competing in sectors and industries in which it hadn’t previously competed over the past five years.
“Reinvention as a strategic imperative remains the main theme of this year’s report, as Kenyan CEOs remain focused on innovation and adapting to evolving market conditions,” Peter Ngahu, Regional Senior Partner, PwC Eastern Africa, said.
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Climate-Friendly Investments
Kenyan CEOs are increasingly recognizing the importance of climate-friendly investments and sustainability metrics.
26% of them reported that climate-friendly investments had decreased their costs in the last five years, while 42% said that such investments had increased their revenue in the same period.
These investments include renewable energy projects, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable supply chain practices.
“The region is also facing some serious environmental challenges brought on by climate change and thus, impacting agriculture, food security and hence livelihoods. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to build resilience in the region,” Ngahu added.
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