The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate Kenya’s industrialisation and drive Africa’s economic growth.
Speaking during the opening of the inaugural MNL Africa Leadership Circle 2026 in Nairobi, Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana said collaboration between government, the private sector, regional blocs, and global partners remains critical in unlocking investment opportunities and positioning Kenya as a leading investment destination.
Dr. Mukhwana noted that Kenya has made9 significant progress in advancing its industrialisation agenda through the implementation of strategic industrial and investment projects aimed at enhancing economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness.
“Kenya continues to make tremendous strides towards actualizing industrialization through the implementation of key industrialization and investment projects and other strategic interventions,” the PS stated.
The PS observed that Kenya and the broader African continent possess immense opportunities and resources, including a youthful population, innovation, technology, and digital capabilities that position the region as an attractive destination for trade and investment.
However, he emphasized the need for a mindset shift to further strengthen Africa’s position as the next frontier for industrialisation and global investment.
His sentiments were echoed by Hon. Julius Ruto and Irene Mayaka during a panel discussion themed, “Bridging Traditional Capital Markets and Digital Financial Innovation: Pathways to Inclusive, Resilient Financing.”
The leaders underscored Parliament’s commitment to supporting legislation that enhances Kenya’s industrialisation prospects while promoting technology, innovation, and financial inclusion as critical enablers of economic transformation.
Ms. Evelyne Mbula Nzuki, Founder and Managing Partner of MN Legal (MNL Advocates LLP), emphasized the need for stronger alignment between policy, capital, and development ambitions across Africa.
“Africa has never lacked opportunity. What it has often lacked is alignment between capital and policy, ambition and infrastructure, and vision and execution,” she said.
Ms. Nzuki highlighted the importance of inclusive growth, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, investors, regulators, professionals, and development institutions.
On investment and financial sector development, Daniel Mainda, Chief Executive Officer of Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority, emphasized the importance of strategic reforms, robust regulatory frameworks, and global engagement in enhancing Africa’s competitiveness and attractiveness to investors.
He noted that strengthening institutional reforms, providing investor-focused incentives, and deepening engagement with international financial markets, multilateral institutions, and sovereign investors remain essential in positioning Kenya and Africa as preferred investment destinations.
The leadership forum, held under the theme “Doing Business in Kenya & Africa,” brought together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, legal practitioners, investors, development institutions, and private sector executives from five continents to explore opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s economic future.
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