President William Ruto has unveiled investment deals worth more than Sh375 billion to create at least 63,000 quality jobs across key sectors of the economy.
The deals announced today Wednesday 25 ,2026 during the Kenya International Investment Conference in Nairobi focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, business, healthcare, energy and real estate, reflecting what the President described as growing global confidence in Kenya’s economy.
Speaking at the forum attended by Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, regional leaders and investors, President Ruto said most of the projects are already at advanced stages, with several having broken ground.
“We are not just talking about numbers; we are talking about real investments, including $1 billion in agriculture alone,” he said.
President Ruto attributed the surge in investor interest to ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness as an investment hub.
“In direct response to investor feedback, Kenya is implementing a new package of cross-cutting policy actions designed to remove long-standing investment bottlenecks,” he noted.
Among the reforms is the strengthening of tax administration, including the introduction of VAT refund mechanisms for export-led firms and clearer transfer pricing frameworks to improve predictability and liquidity for investors.
The government has also zero-rated VAT on exported services and introduced measures allowing companies to offset verified tax claims against future liabilities.
In a move expected to unlock capital in the technology sector, the State has scrapped the 30 per cent domestic equity requirement for ICT firms.
Ruto noted that these interventions are designed to attract more players into Kenya’s rapidly expanding digital economy while supporting existing investors.
He further highlighted the role of the One-Stop Investment Centre, which he said is streamlining investor services saying by the end of 2026, the platform is expected to be fully digitised, enabling investors to secure permits and licences online.
“This will significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency,” he said.
On infrastructure, the Head of State said the government is investing heavily in roads, railways, airports and seaports to enhance connectivity and lower the cost of doing business.
He added that energy reforms, including tariff adjustments and expanded generation capacity, are being implemented to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for industries.
Additionally, he added the government is aligning export processing zones with special economic zones to boost industrialisation and export growth.
President Ruto underscored the importance of human capital, describing it as Kenya’s greatest asset.
He said the government is strengthening education and skills training to build a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern economy.
“Despite the clear progress registered, we remain committed to continuous improvement,” he said.
He further painted a positive outlook for Kenya’s economic performance, noting that foreign direct investment inflows grew by over 15 per cent in 2025 to exceed $2 billion for the first time.
President also cited Kenya’s recent credit rating upgrade by Standard & Poor’s, from B- to B, as evidence of strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals.
Inflation, he said, has stabilised at an average of 4.4 per cent, down from 9.6 per cent three years ago, while the exchange rate has remained steady at about Sh129 to the dollar. Foreign exchange reserves currently stand at $14.6 billion, equivalent to nearly seven months of import cover.
President Chapo also emphasised the critical role of the private sector in unlocking Africa’s potential, pointing to the continent’s youthful population, natural resources and opportunities in agriculture, tourism and infrastructure.
“We are here to say welcome to Kenya and Mozambique these are the right places to put your money and do business,” he said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called for enhanced intra-African cooperation in the face of global disruptions, including geopolitical conflicts that have strained supply chains.
He said initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area can help cushion African economies from external shocks.
Investment and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the government remains responsive to investor needs.
“When there is a problem and you have a solution, the government is ready to listen,” he said.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo praised the reforms, saying their impact is already visible.
“When you invest in Kenya, it pays,” he said.
Edited by John Majau
