Kenya’s foreign direct investment (FDI) has risen to a record KSh414.1 billion ($3.2 billion), President William Ruto has said, as the government steps up efforts to position the country as a regional production and services hub.
Ruto announced the latest figure on September 9, 2026, while opening the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Summit in Nairobi. He attributed the increase to growing investor confidence in Kenya’s renewable energy potential, digital economy and manufacturing sector.
Kenya Targets More Investment and Jobs
The latest figure represents a significant increase from the KSh194.1 billion recorded in 2022, according to the President.
Ruto said the government wants Kenya to attract more capital by strengthening its role as a production and services centre for the wider African market.
He urged US and other international companies to look beyond Kenya’s domestic market and use the country as a base for accessing the continent. He also encouraged investors to bring capital, technology and skills that can support local production and employment.
The President highlighted sectors including manufacturing, digital technology, energy, agriculture and critical minerals as areas with potential for additional investment.
Business Environment Remains Key
Ruto also called on county governments to simplify licensing and eliminate duplicate or unclear charges that increase the cost of doing business.
He said the government is working to make county-level licensing more predictable through the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, including greater digitisation and standardisation of licensing procedures.
The push comes as Kenya seeks to convert increased investor interest into actual factories, businesses, exports and jobs.
Ruto said the country’s growing market, skilled workforce, renewable energy resources and strategic position within Africa give it an opportunity to serve as a regional base for international companies.
The rise in reported FDI comes alongside other major investment deals secured in Kenya this year. In May, the government announced 20 investment agreements worth $2.9 billion, covering sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, healthcare, energy and real estate.
For Kenya, sustaining the growth in foreign investment will depend on whether the country can continue improving the cost and predictability of doing business while ensuring that investment translates into local production, technology transfer, exports and employment.
