KenInvest CEO John Mwendwa. Photo | courtesy.
Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) CEO John Mwendwa has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at revitalizing Kenya’s investment landscape, focusing on digital transformation, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships to enhance the country’s competitiveness.
Appointed in January 2025, Mwendwa brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at the Executive Office of the President, where he played a pivotal role in improving Kenya’s Ease of Doing Business ranking from 137 to 56. His leadership at KenInvest is marked by a commitment to creating a more predictable and investor-friendly environment.
Central to his agenda is the development of the Kenya Investment Single Window, a digital platform set to launch by mid-year. This initiative aims to integrate services from key government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Immigration, and Business Registration Services, providing a streamlined, one-stop compliance platform for investors.
In a recent partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Mwendwa emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing Kenya’s investment climate.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards creating a more competitive and attractive investment destination in Kenya,” he stated.
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The collaboration with KEPSA also focuses on policy advocacy and business environment reforms, aiming to attract both local and international investors. Initiatives like the KEPSA Market Intelligence Hub and the Kenya Investment Single Window are expected to play a crucial role in streamlining investor facilitation and improving the ease of doing business.
Mwendwa’s strategy includes the development of comprehensive investment pitch decks for priority sectors such as leather, textiles, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These efforts are designed to showcase Kenya’s diverse economic opportunities and attract targeted investments.
Addressing concerns about foreign direct investment (FDI) figures, Mwendwa acknowledged discrepancies in reported data but remained optimistic about Kenya’s investment potential.
“At the macro level, things are working,” he asserted, highlighting the establishment of approximately 200 foreign companies’ regional headquarters in Kenya as evidence of the country’s appeal to investors.
With a focus on predictability, speed, and effective systems, Mwendwa’s leadership at KenInvest aims to transform Kenya’s investment landscape, moving beyond traditional investor outreach to tangible, results-driven strategies.
As Kenya positions itself as a premier investment destination in Africa, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained execution, inter-agency coordination, and political will to overcome existing bottlenecks and foster a conducive environment for investors.
