President William Ruto has called on U.S. corporations to increase their investments in Kenya, positioning the country as a central hub for global expansion into Africa.
Speaking at a high-level breakfast forum on September 22, 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Ruto highlighted Kenya’s economic strengths and outlined key sectors ready for foreign direct investment.
Kenya as Africa’s Economic Gateway
The event, organized by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in partnership with the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), brought together American investors and Kenyan stakeholders to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
In his keynote address, President Ruto stressed Kenya’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic transformation, urging American businesses to see the continent not as a marginal market but as a strategic center for future growth.
“Kenya is not just a gateway to Africa; it is a springboard for businesses seeking sustainable growth and access to a rapidly expanding consumer base.”
Ruto commended the Corporate Council on Africa, the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, and the American Chamber of Commerce for their efforts in boosting US-Kenya economic cooperation.
Ruto noted that the United States remains the largest source of foreign direct investment to Kenya, underscoring the importance of continued partnership.
Why the US Should Invest in Kenya
During a session titled “Why Kenya?”, President Ruto outlined four key factors that make Kenya a leading investment destination.
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Predictability and Sustainability
Highlighting the Nairobi Securities Exchange’s recognition as Africa’s best-performing exchange in 2024, Ruto announced plans to increase listings by 40 companies by 2029.
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Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business
President Ruto emphasized the implementation of progressive policies that have simplified procedures for investors and strengthened the business climate.
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Assurance of Investment Protection
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s robust legal and regulatory frameworks, which ensure secure investments.
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Strategic Market Access
Kenya’s position as the natural gateway to East and Central Africa is enhanced by trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Priority Sectors and Key Projects
President Ruto highlighted several sectors that are ripe for US investment, including textiles and apparel, renewable energy, and large-scale infrastructure development.
Kenya’s clean energy projects, such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project and the Kipeto Wind Power Station, were presented as evidence of the country’s leadership in sustainable energy.
Kenya Railways officials also showcased the Nairobi Railway City, a transformative urban infrastructure project designed to decongest the capital, improve mobility, and stimulate economic activity.
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Ruto stated that the project embodies Kenya’s vision for modern, investor-friendly urban development.
KIICO 2026
President Ruto concluded by inviting global investors to the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO), scheduled for March 2026 in Nairobi.
“We look forward to welcoming you to Nairobi as we chart a path for shared prosperity and sustainable development.”
The primary objective of KIICO is to position Kenya as a leading investment hub in Africa by bringing together government leaders, local and international investors, financiers, and business executives.
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The conference provides a space to:
- Showcase high-potential investment projects across key sectors of the economy.
- Facilitate public-private partnerships for sustainable development.
- Highlight policy reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
- Connect investors with Kenyan enterprises and government agencies.
KIICO attracts a diverse international audience, including:
- Global investors from the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank, the IMF, and the African Development Bank.
- Regional trade blocs like the East African Community (EAC) and COMESA.
- Representatives from multinational corporations are looking to expand into Africa.
The event also creates an opportunity for bilateral and multilateral investment agreements to be signed, thereby strengthening Kenya’s role in global trade.
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