France's service sector contracted faster than first estimated in January, with business activity declining for the fifth consecutive month amid persistent demand weakness and political uncertainty, a survey reported on Wednesday.

Despite the slowdown, the measure remained above the 50 mark that separates activity contraction from expansion, and where it has been since January 2023.

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's private sector activity expanded for a fourth straight month in January but only modestly and at a slower pace than in December, a survey showed on Wednesday. The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped to 50.5 in January from 50.6 a month earlier. Readings above 50.0 signal an expansion in activity.