NAIROBI, Mar 25 – Kenya has secured over $2.9 billion in investment deals as the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026 opened, signaling strong investor confidence in the country’s economic outlook.
The deals, announced by President William Ruto during the conference’s opening ceremony, are expected to generate more than 63,000 direct jobs across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, healthcare, ICT, real estate and energy.
Out of the 20 deals unveiled, agriculture, manufacturing, mining and real estate accounted for over $2 billion in combined value.
In agriculture and agro-processing, investments totaling approximately $890 million will support value addition and smallholder farmers in rice, sugar and horticulture production, while creating more than 27,000 jobs.
Manufacturing attracted about $600 million across sectors such as fertilizer production, textiles, solar panel manufacturing, plastics recycling and glass production, with strong export potential under frameworks like AfCFTA and AGOA.
In the mining sector, a $350 million rare earth elements project is expected to unlock new mineral value chains and boost export earnings.
Real estate projects accounted for $630 million, with major developments planned in Nairobi and Mombasa to support growing urban demand.
Healthcare also drew significant interest, with investments aimed at expanding access to specialized care and strengthening medical infrastructure, reducing reliance on overseas treatment.
President Ruto highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, including tax incentives, regulatory simplification and the digitization of investment processes through a one-stop platform expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
The conference attracted a diverse pool of investors from key global markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, China, India and South Korea.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said the scale and quality of the deals reflect a maturing investment environment, with opportunities spanning manufacturing, agribusiness and the digital economy.
As the conference continues, attention is expected to shift toward execution timelines and closing deals, alongside discussions on addressing sectoral challenges to maximize economic impact.
The event will also host the COMESA Investment Forum and the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a regional hub for investment and sustainable development.
