The automotive segment, which accounts for around one-fifth of the manufacturing sector, has been hit by production shutdowns and scale-backs due to the global semiconductor shortage. 

The detailed data shows the output of the computer, electronics, and optical equipment segment, accounting for 11% of manufacturing, edged down 0.2% y.o.y. in January. 

Production of the food, drinks, and tobacco segment, which made up 12% of manufacturing sector output, increased 13.7%. 

Headline industrial output rose 8.9%, the fastest rate since summer, KSH confirmed. Adjusted for the number of workdays, output rose 7.1%.