Economic activity was notably subdued in the first quarter of 2019 relative to the performance recorded in the same quarter of 2018. During the period, the economy expanded by 5.6 per cent compared to 6.5 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2018. The growth, albeit significantly slower than that of the first quarter of 2018, was mostly supported by growths in the service sector industries such as wholesale and retail trade, transportation, accommodation and food services, financial and insurance activities.
The quarter was characterized by slowdown in agricultural activities following delay in the onset of long rains. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector grew by 5.3 per cent compared to a growth of 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2018. The slowdown in agricultural growth somewhat affected agro-processing and consequently led to slowed manufacturing activities during the review period.
