The most recent data available indicate that real GDP growth in the countries covered by this Bulletin was modest to strong during the first half of 2013 and was driven by diverse factors. Burundi maintained a real GDP growth rate of 4.5% in Q2 driven by good harvests and sustained investments in public infrastructure, particularly in transport, energy, and telecommunications. In Kenya, real GDP grew by 5.2% and 4.3% during the first and second quarters respectively, compared with 3.9% and 4.4% during the same quarters in 2012. Improved weather conditions resulting in better performance in the agriculture sector was been the key driver of real GDP growth during the first half of 2013. Rwanda’s real GDP growth rate slowed to 5.7% in Q2 from 6% in Q1 in large part due to the lagged effects of the 2012 aid cutbacks. Real GDP growth averaged 5.9% during the first half of 2013 compared to 8.2% during the same period in 2012.