Kenya attracted a record US$3.2 billion (about KSh414 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, the highest annual inflow ever recorded for the country, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2026.
The report shows that FDI inflows into Kenya more than doubled over the past three years, rising from US$1.5 billion in 2022 to US$1.7 billion in 2023, US$2.3 billion in 2024, and a record US$3.2 billion in 2025.
President Ruto Reacts to UNCTAD Report
Reacting to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2026, President William Ruto said Kenya’s record foreign investment inflows show increasing global confidence in the country’s economic stability, reform agenda and long-term growth prospects.
In a statement on July 7, Ruto said the report confirms that Kenya is building “an economy the world believes in,” adding that the latest investment figures are a clear vote of confidence in the country’s future.
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President Ruto said the strong investment growth was driven by key sectors, including geothermal energy, digital infrastructure, financial services, and manufacturing, which play a role in Kenya’s economic transformation.
He also said the country’s positive economic outlook is anchored by a stable Kenyan shilling, a rallying stock market, and ongoing reforms aimed at attracting more private capital.
Ruto further attributed to growth in FDI to government’s privatization agenda, saying it is opening new opportunities for private investment and reinforcing Kenya’s position as an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
“The latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s World Investment Report 2026 confirms what Kenyans are building: an economy the world believes in,” the President said.
According to Ruto, investor confidence in Kenya is at an all-time high, an indicator that the country will continue attracting more investment in the coming years.
UNCTAD Report Places Kenya Among Africa’s Strong Investment Performers
According to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2026, Kenya was among the African economies that recorded growth in foreign investment despite an uncertain global economic environment.
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The report said global foreign direct investment increased by 6% to US$1.6 trillion in 2025, supported by growth in developed economies and investment in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
However, it cautions that investment prospects remain uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and elevated financing costs.
For Africa, the report says foreign investment increased for a second consecutive year, supported by strong performance in several countries, including Kenya.
UNCTAD notes that investment into sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing and financial services is becoming increasingly important for driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The report further emphasizes that attracting foreign direct investment alone is not enough. It says countries must ensure that investment contributes to job creation, technology transfer, industrial development and long-term economic resilience to maximize its benefits.
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