Kenya's private sector activity expanded in September, lifted by improved performance across all sectors except construction, a survey showed on Friday.

The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index rose 51.9 in September from 49.4 a month earlier. Readings above 50.0 indicate growth in business activity, while those below that signal contraction. September's expansion was the first time since April the index has gone above 50.0.

"That said, some areas experienced weakness, especially in the construction industry where output fell sharply," Stanbic said in comments accompanying the survey.

Kenya's economy grew 5.0% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, up from 4.6% in the same quarter last year, data from the statistics office showed.

"Business conditions expanded in September, implying the start of a recovery after the disruptions that followed protests in Q2:25 (second quarter 2025)," Christopher Legilisho, Economist at Stanbic Bank, said.