Ultimately, the direction set out at KIICO 2026 was clear. Kenya is not only open for business, it is actively working to ensure that investment opportunities are actionable, competitive, and supported by strong institutional frameworks. Writes John Mwendwa, CEO of Invest Kenya.
At the Fourth Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO 2026), President William Ruto articulated a clear and compelling proposition: Kenya is steadily transitioning into a more mature, stable, and opportunity-driven investment destination. As the investment promotion agency, this aligns directly with what we are seeing on the ground in terms of growing investor interest, stronger pipelines, and increased conversion of opportunities into actual investments.
As the president highlighted, this momentum is underpinned by improving macroeconomic fundamentals. Foreign direct investment inflows grew by over 15% in 2025 to exceed $2 billion( Ksh 270 million) for the first time ever, while inflation has moderated to 4.4% and foreign exchange reserves have strengthened to $14.6 billion. These indicators matter because they provide investors with the relevant signals, stability and predictability required to make long-term commitments.
Our role at Invest Kenya is to ensure that these reforms translate into a seamless experience, from initial inquiry to project implementation and aftercare.
At the same time, Kenya’s capital markets continue to demonstrate depth and resilience. The Nairobi Securities Exchange’s 52% return in dollar terms in 2025 shows renewed confidence and highlights the country’s capacity to support both domestic and international capital flows.
From an investment facilitation perspective, what is most significant is the deliberate effort to improve the investor journey. Reforms such as the removal of the 30% domestic equity requirement for ICT firms, VAT zero-rating on exported services, and the digitization of the One-Stop Investment Centre are already reducing transaction costs and shortening project timelines. These are practical changes that directly address investor concerns and improve the ease of doing business.
Our role at Invest Kenya is to ensure that these reforms translate into a seamless experience, from initial inquiry to project implementation and aftercare. Increasingly, we are seeing this shift reflected in how investors engage with the Kenyan market.
Kenya’s strategic positioning remains a key differentiator. Beyond its domestic market, the country offers access to the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, opening up a combined market of over 1.4 billion people. For investors, this means Kenya is not just a destination, but a platform for regional expansion.
The outcomes emerging from KIICO 2026 reinforce this proposition. The announcement of $2.9 billion in investment deals across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, energy, real estate and healthcare reflects a strong and diversified pipeline. These investments are expected to create more than 63,000 jobs, which speaks to the broader economic impact of investment beyond capital inflows.
Encouragingly, a significant number of these projects are already moving through implementation which shows improved coordination across government and a more structured approach to project facilitation. For investors, this progress is critical as it demonstrates that opportunities are not only identified, but also executed.
Looking ahead, the government’s KSh5 trillion infrastructure programme presents a clear pipeline of bankable opportunities. Investments in transport, energy, and water including expanded generation capacity and major water infrastructure are designed to support industrial growth and unlock new sectors. we are focused on ensuring that these opportunities are well-packaged, transparent, and accessible to investors. This includes strengthening project preparation, facilitating public-private partnerships, and providing continuous investor support throughout the project lifecycle.
There is a deliberate shift in the types of investments Kenya is attracting. We are seeing increased interest in manufacturing and value addition, pharmaceuticals, and green industries, including electric mobility. This aligns with our broader objective of building a more productive, diversified economy that creates jobs and strengthens local value chains.
Kenya’s fundamentals such as our dynamic services sector, expanding digital economy, and improving energy mix position us well as a regional hub for both manufacturing and innovation. Our focus is to ensure that investors are able to tap into these opportunities efficiently and at scale.
Ultimately, the direction set out at KIICO 2026 was clear. Kenya is not only open for business, it is actively working to ensure that investment opportunities are actionable, competitive, and supported by strong institutional frameworks.
For investors, the message is straightforward: Kenya offers a stable environment, a growing market, and a pipeline of opportunities across key sectors. Our commitment is to facilitate investments, support implementation, and ensure that investors succeed.
