World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Qimiao Fan, has described Kenya as one of the most attractive investment destinations in Africa.
According to Fan, Kenya’s large economy, access to regional and global markets, skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and growing green energy sector are the main reasons for increasing interest from international investors.
Fan clarified that international investors deciding where to invest focus on clear fundamentals.
They look for stability, strong policies, market size, skilled labour, and dependable infrastructure.
According to the World Bank, Kenya checks all these boxes, making it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the region.
Kenya’s Impressive Economy
The country is the largest economy in East Africa, with a gross domestic product of about 125 billion dollars in 2024, projected to exceed 130 billion dollars in 2025.
This size provides investors with a reliable local market capable of absorbing goods and services, supporting long-term business strategies.
Fan said Kenya’s value goes beyond its borders. “Kenya is the gateway to East Africa,” he noted, pointing out that investors operating from Kenya can tap into a regional market of more than 300 million people.
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This position allows companies to set up in one country and serve several others, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
He added that Kenya also offers access far beyond Africa. Through multiple trade agreements with Asia, Europe and North America, goods produced in Kenya can enter global markets under preferential terms.
Fan said this matters because investors are not confined to the Kenyan or regional market alone, but can reach international consumers from a single base.
He added that investors increasingly look at the quality of people when choosing where to invest.
Kenya ranks highly on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index and has a strong education system that continues to produce skilled workers.
According to Fan, this means investors find staff who are ready to work and adapt to modern industries.
Kenya’s workforce is also highly entrepreneurial.
Fan pointed to the widespread use of mobile payment services as evidence of this spirit.
“If you look at Kenya’s mobile payment services, it’s everywhere, and Kenya is a frontrunner in that area,” he said.
These systems have transformed how business is done and created a strong base for growth in many sectors.
Mobile payments have supported expansion in agriculture, financial services and trade.
Farmers receive payments quickly, financial institutions reach more customers, and businesses cut transaction costs.
Fan said these advances have laid the foundation for further growth across the economy.
Infrastructure progress over the past decade has also improved investor confidence.
According to Fan, Kenya has made important strides in transport, easing the movement of goods and people.
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Better roads and logistics networks have lowered costs and reduced delays, making Kenya more competitive for both local and foreign firms.
Green Energy and World Bank Commitment
Energy remains a key advantage, with more than 93 per cent of Kenya’s electricity coming from renewable sources, including geothermal, wind, and hydropower.
Fan said this is a major draw for manufacturers focused on sustainable and green production.
Reliable, clean energy lowers emissions and supports global environmental standards, while also providing a stable power supply.
Fan said all these factors combine to make Kenya a practical investment destination.
“It’s a combination of the depth and breadth of the market, the quality of the people, and the entrepreneurial spirit,” he said, adding that these strengths give investors confidence in long-term returns.
The World Bank’s own investment levels reflect this confidence, as the institution currently has an active investment portfolio of about seven billion dollars in Kenya.
Its private-sector arm, the International Finance Corporation, holds an active portfolio worth around $ 1.3 billion, while the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency provides hundreds of millions of dollars in guarantees to investors.
Fan said these commitments show the World Bank’s belief in Kenya’s potential.
For investors, according to Fan, Kenya offers both an opportunity to support development and a place to make money.
