The Markit Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 51.3 in November from an all-time high of 59.1 in October. The 50.0 mark separates growth from contraction.

October's reading was the highest since the survey began in January 2014 and it reflected the impact of lifting coronavirus-related curbs imposed in September.

November's drop was due to softer increases in activity and new orders, the survey found.

"Firms noted that the reintroduction of lockdowns in parts of Europe also hurt external demand for their goods," said Jibran Qureishi, Head of Africa Research at Stanbic Bank.

(Reporting by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Hugh Lawson)