Nairobi — Bright prospects are beckoning Kenya's economy, whose turn around is expected to record a double pace growth this year.

Experts say growth prospects remain firm and are projecting a 4.5 percent growth up from the 2.5 percent figure recorded in 2008. The forecasts are based on positive trends being witnessed among key economic segments.

"Increased foreign investments , good rainfall and radical reforms in key socio-political and economic realms are a sure mix to drive meaningful economic growth," Investment Banker, Renaissance Capital says in its economic outlook 0f 2010.

Interestingly, the projections match those released by the government in February, by President Mwai Kibaki when he addressed the fourth opening of the tenth parliament.

Good rainfall that is currently being received across the country will result in good agricultural yields, while ongoing investments are injecting direct foreign capital into the economy as major reforms shake up governance. This will un turn restore the country's goodwill and confidence among strategic trading partners, the bank observes.

"The economy is buoyant as a result of increased inflows which are largely traced to these factors. What must be done is to ensure sustainability through concerted efforts if these pace is to be maintained," Patrick Mweheire, Renaissance Capital Kenya, Chief Executive Officer said.

Kenya's stuttering economic growth has been a causing a nightmare to its citizens and investors alike, who will certainly be assuaged by this projections. The economy has shown resilience from the effects of the debilitating 2007/8 post election rukus which pushed it to the precipice.

Aftershocks of the global economic meltdown also trickled down to key economic segments occasioning cash crunch and liquidity challenges

This, coupled with a prolonged drought last year made more than 10 million Kenyan s depend on relief food and forced the government to seek international support to raise Ksh30billion for food.

Experts however reckon that the good rainfall and favorable climatic conditions would spur food production this mitigating against the effects of last year's hunger.