In 2011 Kenya’s economy recorded “checked” growth, primarily driven by financial intermediation, tourism, construction and agriculture sectors. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the first nine months was estimated at 4.2%, down from 4.9% in the same period in 2010. Overall, growth in 2011 was curtailed by an unstable macroeconomic environment characterised by rising inflation, exchange rate depreciation and high energy costs. The country also experienced limited rainfall in the first half of 2011, which affected aggregate food production. The year 2011 is therefore expected to record moderate positive growth estimated at 4.5%. Growth is expected to rise to 5.2% in 2012, and to 5.5% in later years.