Invest Kenya today hosted a high-level engagement with representatives from nine foreign chambers of commerce operating in Kenya, signaling a renewed government focus on strengthening partnerships with international business communities to drive investment and economic growth.
The meeting brought together business associations representing more than 1,000 companies, employing over 200,000 Kenyans, and holding over USD 14 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in the country. The associations include the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya, American Chamber of Commerce Kenya, Japan External Trade Organization, European Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, Indian Business Chamber Kenya, Netherlands Business Hub Kenya, Business Ireland Kenya, and Portuguese Business Council Kenya.
During the session, Invest Kenya officials outlined the government’s investment promotion priorities, including reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business, streamlining investment approvals, and providing targeted incentives to attract new investors and retain existing FDI.
Representatives of the foreign chambers welcomed the engagement, emphasizing the importance of consistent dialogue between the government and international business communities. They highlighted areas for collaboration, including technology transfer, skills development, infrastructure investment, and sector-specific growth opportunities in energy, manufacturing, agribusiness, and financial services.
“Foreign investors play a pivotal role in Kenya’s economic development. Their participation not only drives job creation but also strengthens the country’s capital base and innovation ecosystem,” said a senior Invest Kenya official during the meeting. “Our objective is to ensure that investors feel supported and that Kenya remains a competitive and attractive destination for foreign capital.”
Economic and Business Context
Kenya has been steadily positioning itself as a regional hub for investment in East Africa, leveraging its strategic location, growing consumer market, and sectoral diversification. According to government statistics, foreign direct investment inflows into Kenya reached approximately USD 3.1 billion in 2025, driven largely by the services, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Foreign chambers of commerce have historically played a critical role in facilitating investment, providing insights into regulatory environments, and linking Kenyan businesses with global markets. The collective presence of these nine chambers represents a significant FDI stock, highlighting the potential impact of policy decisions on investor confidence and capital inflows.
The discussions also touched on investment facilitation, including digitalization of approvals, access to market intelligence, and targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international linkages. Chamber representatives noted that transparency, predictability, and responsiveness in government processes are key factors influencing investment decisions.
Strategic Implications
The engagement comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to recover and expand FDI post-COVID-19 and amidst global economic volatility. Strengthening ties with foreign chambers aligns with broader government priorities under the Big Four Agenda and ongoing reforms aimed at improving competitiveness and creating sustainable employment.
By working closely with foreign business associations, Invest Kenya aims to:
- Identify sector-specific investment opportunities that align with Kenya’s industrial and infrastructure plans.
- Facilitate knowledge and technology transfer that supports domestic capacity building.
- Address investor concerns promptly, including regulatory bottlenecks and operational challenges.
- Promote Kenya as a hub for regional trade and innovation in East Africa.
Chambers also stressed the importance of government engagement in policy formulation, particularly regarding taxation, labor laws, and sectoral incentives, to ensure that Kenya remains attractive in the competitive East African investment landscape.
Looking Ahead
Invest Kenya indicated that follow-up sessions will focus on joint initiatives to support targeted sectors, improve investor services, and promote collaboration between international investors and local businesses. The government plans to publish a roadmap detailing priority interventions and investment facilitation measures identified during the consultations.
The high-level dialogue represents a proactive approach to deepening public-private partnerships and signals the government’s commitment to enhancing Kenya’s investment environment through structured engagement with foreign stakeholders.
