The responsiveness of monetary policy in developing countries - an empirical study of Kenya
Date
2014-04
Authors
Were, Adelquinn Ochami
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The interest rate channel is commonly used by the Central Bank of Kenya as a means of maintaining price stability. However, the effectiveness of this channel has come into question. This paper tests the responsiveness of this channel as well as the structural factors that influence the effectiveness of the channel in Kenya. It uses a wide range of macroeconomic and financial market structure variables to uncover structural determinants of pass-through. The paper finds that the market to retail pass through rate is weak; hence, monetary is not an effective tool in controlling price stability in Kenya. The paper also establishes that the GDP growth rate is insignificant in explaining long-term pass through in Kenya. However, money market development, liquidity, cost structure and competition among banks were found to facilitate and strengthen the pass-through while inflation impedes it.
Description
A Research Project submitted in Partial fulfillment for the Award of Bachelor of Business Science Financial Economics
Keywords
Monetary policy, Developing countries, Empirical study, Kenya