Sh374 billion investment haul set to create 63,000 jobs across key sectors
By Suleiman Mbatiah
Kenya unveiled investment deals worth about Sh374.1 billion at the Fourth Kenya International Investment Conference in Nairobi, a move expected to create approximately 63,000 jobs and accelerate growth across key sectors.
The investments span agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, healthcare, energy, and real estate, with most projects already at advanced stages, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a competitive destination for global capital amid economic uncertainty.
The conference brought together global investors and policymakers, including President William Ruto and Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo, to deepen partnerships and unlock opportunities across high-growth sectors in the Kenyan economy.
“We meet at a moment of great consequence, defined by profound disruptions and growing uncertainty. From shifting geopolitical alignments to economic volatility and developments in the Middle East, the global landscape is becoming complex,” President Ruto said.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya is opening investment opportunities across sectors, positioning the country as a prime destination for manufacturing, agribusiness, and the digital economy driven by reforms and innovation.
He said the government is leveraging investor-focused strategies to unlock underutilised economic potential and connect investors with bankable projects through platforms such as the ongoing international investment conference.
“In literally every sector of the economy, opportunities abound, waiting to be explored,” Kinyanjui said, noting the country’s diverse investment landscape and readiness to absorb new capital.
Kenya’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain stable, with foreign direct investment inflows rising by over 15 percent in 2025 to exceed about KSh258 billion, alongside easing inflation and a stable exchange rate.
Inflation has averaged 4.4 per cent, while foreign exchange reserves have reached about KSh1.88 trillion, representing nearly seven months of import cover and reinforcing investor confidence.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange has also recorded strong performance, delivering a 52 per cent return in 2025 and targeting at least 40 new listings by 2029, reflecting growing capital market depth.
“Our focus remains firmly on strengthening the domestic environment. We are deepening reforms and executing policies that enhance competitiveness, streamline processes, and create a more enabling and investor-friendly climate,” Ruto said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to East and Central Africa, linking investors to regional and continental markets through its location and expanding economy.
He urged investors to tap into high-growth sectors, noting that coordinated investment is critical in addressing global economic shocks while driving innovation, resilience, and job creation across the region.
The government has introduced reforms including zero-rating VAT on exported services, improved tax frameworks, and removal of the 30 percent domestic equity requirement for ICT firms to attract investment.
A fully digitised one-stop investment centre is expected by the end of 2026, enabling investors to secure permits and licenses online, reducing costs and improving efficiency across sectors.
“We have adopted an out-of-the-box approach to achieving our investment goals, embracing adaptation and innovation as our clarion mantra,” Kinyanjui said, highlighting the government’s flexible approach to investment promotion.
Kenya continues to anchor regional markets, offering access to over 330 million consumers in the East African Community and more than 680 million consumers in the COMESA bloc.
Recent investments include a Sh1.81 billion expansion by Flamingo Group in Naivasha, alongside new operations by BUPA Health and Lloyd’s of London in the Kenyan market.
Manufacturing investments by Mars Wrigley and Coca-Cola, valued at about KSh4.26 billion and KSh5.81 billion respectively, alongside a Sh19.35 billion electric vehicle project in Nakuru, signal sector diversification.
The government has developed an investment projects catalogue to showcase bankable opportunities, while advancing infrastructure expansion, water security projects, and energy generation to support long-term growth.
“Together, we can design solutions that meet your investment goals while addressing our priorities, including employment creation, energy, and food security,” Kinyanjui said, calling for stronger collaboration between investors and government.
The President, in a previous speech, said Kenya estimates that delivering its transformation agenda will require about Sh5 trillion, to be mobilised through structured financing and private sector partnerships to sustain economic growth.
