Kenya should make attracting foreign investment and fully exploiting its natural and human resources a national priority if it hopes to become one of Africa's leading economies, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has said, arguing that the country already has the workforce, talent and potential needed to achieve that ambition.
Speaking during the presentation of the New National Vision report at State House, Nairobi, Atwoli said Kenya's biggest challenge is not a lack of resources or skilled professionals but the failure to make deliberate long-term investment decisions that can unlock economic growth and create jobs.
"We can do it. It's a question of making a conscious decision," Atwoli said, urging the government and the private sector to work together in attracting investors and making better use of the country's economic opportunities.
He said Kenya has a large pool of professionals with the expertise needed to support industrial growth, including managers, engineers and other skilled workers, but that potential has not been fully harnessed.
"Kenya has every manpower in terms of management, factory engineering and so on, but you know our system," he said.
Atwoli pointed to Egypt as an example of how countries can turn natural resources into major economic assets through deliberate investment. He said Egypt has transformed the River Nile into a global tourism destination while Kenya has not taken full advantage of the opportunities presented by Lake Victoria.
"Look at what the Egyptians did... they put their cruise ships. They attract two million tourists a month when we are struggling to have one million tourists in this country in a year," he said.
According to Atwoli, the lack of cruise ships, luxury hotels and modern tourism facilities around Lake Victoria has denied the region the chance to attract more visitors and generate greater income.
"In the whole of Lake Victoria, we have no boat that can attract tourists. We have no five-star hotel in those particular places," Atwoli said.
He proposed that Kenya partner with countries such as Sweden to introduce modern cruise ships on Lake Victoria, saying the move would create thousands of jobs while generating substantial daily revenue.
"If you have two cruise ships cruising on Lake Victoria... you will be banking half a billion daily," he said.
Atwoli also called for increased investment in manufacturing and export-oriented industries, saying bringing in both direct and indirect foreign investment would strengthen the economy, expand businesses and create employment opportunities.
"Let us attract people who can invest in the manufacturing industry, hospitality industry, expand our businesses, attract direct and indirect investment, particularly in manufacturing for the purposes of export," he said.
He renewed his appeal for the construction of a larger international airport, arguing that Kenya needs modern aviation infrastructure capable of attracting more airlines and strengthening its position as a regional transport hub.
"If we want to make Kenya bigger, move out of the current airport and build a better airport... because countries that have developed have bigger airports that attract more airlines," he said.
Atwoli also praised President William Ruto's development agenda, saying the administration appeared committed to transforming the country regardless of political considerations.
"President is committed to making sure that this country is developed whether he will be elected or whether he will not be elected," he said.
He further challenged business leaders and chambers of commerce to play a more active role in bringing international investors into the country, saying sustained investment remains one of the most effective ways to create jobs, grow businesses and secure long-term economic growth.