Kenya launches Investment Conference aiming for KSh260B deals

Kenya has launched the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO) 2026 in Nairobi, targeting more than USD 2 billion (KSh 260 billion) in investment deals across key sectors to accelerate economic growth and job creation.

The conference, which runs until 27 March 2026, is being held alongside the COMESA Investment Forum and the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative Forum, bringing together global investors, policymakers and development partners.

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar said the event is focused on delivering tangible outcomes rather than policy discussions.

“KIICO 2026 will not be a talk shop. It will be a platform for commitments, execution and measurable impact,” he said.

Focus on bankable projects and reforms

The government is prioritising pre-approved, advanced-stage projects in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, ICT and business process outsourcing. Officials say the investments are expected to create more than 50,000 jobs nationwide.

Authorities also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate. These include measures on VAT refunds, transfer pricing, land leasing processes, and incentives linked to Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones.

Invest Kenya Chief Executive Officer John Mwendwa said the forum builds on steady investment momentum, noting the country recorded USD 1.7 billion in investments in 2023.

“Our role is to make Kenya easier to invest in by providing end-to-end support through a one-stop centre for investors,” he said.

Delegates were taken through the Kenya Digital One-Stop Centre, which enables investors to access services such as business registration, tax compliance, work permits and approvals through an integrated platform.

The conference has attracted support from development partners and private sector players, including ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, KCB Group and the European Union Delegation to Kenya.

Kenya is also leveraging recent trade agreements to boost investor confidence. New export arrangements with China will allow duty-free access for products such as avocados and coffee from 1 May 2026, following the country’s first agricultural shipment to the Asian market on 23 March 2026.