President William Ruto on Tuesday unveiled more than $2.5 billion (Sh322.5 billion) in investment deals at the 2026 Kenya International Investment Conference, highlighting projects across agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, healthcare, energy, and business process outsourcing.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto emphasized that these investments are already underway, covering initiatives in rice and sugarcane production, electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturing, and other sectors, and are expected to create over 63,000 quality jobs for Kenyans.
“Majority of these investments are already breaking ground,” he said, stressing the transformative potential of the deals for Kenya’s economy.
The President highlighted Kenya’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investors, citing a record $2 billion (Sh258 billion) in Foreign Direct Investment inflows in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year, and a historic $14.6 billion (Sh1.883t) in foreign exchange reserves.
He noted that inflation has remained stable at 4.4%, while the Nairobi Securities Exchange delivered a 52% return in dollar terms, ranking it as the second-best performing stock market in Africa in 2025.
“At the time of global uncertainty, Kenya offers stability, predictability, openness, and world-class opportunities underpinned by sound macroeconomic fundamentals,” President Ruto said.
Highlighting reforms aimed at improving investment efficiency, President Ruto pointed to the digitization of the One-Stop Investment Center, which will allow investors to secure permits and licenses entirely online by the end of 2026.
He also referenced tax reforms, the removal of domestic equity requirements for ICT companies, and energy tariff reforms designed to enhance industrial competitiveness.
“We are strengthening tax administration, providing VAT refund mechanisms for export-oriented firms, and improving transfer pricing frameworks to boost predictability for investors,” he added.
The conference also showcased Kenya’s strategic position as a gateway to the East African Community, a market of 330 million consumers, and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, valued at $3.7 trillion.
President Ruto invited private sector partners to participate in national transformation projects, including roads, railways, airports, mega dams, and energy generation, which will require an estimated $40 billion investment over the coming years.
President Ruto concluded by emphasizing Kenya’s human capital, saying, “We have the best human capital you can find anywhere in the world,” and urged investors to seize the opportunities presented by Kenya’s expanding industrial and agricultural landscape.
These new deals, he said, represent a significant step in Kenya’s journey to becoming a premier investment destination in Africa.