Kenya Approves 15 Global Firms in Ksh26 Billion Investment Boost as Over 1,000 Jobs Set to Be Created
Kenya has approved 15 new companies under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), with the firms expected to inject up to Ksh26 billion into the economy and create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs as the country intensifies efforts to position itself as Africa’s leading financial and investment hub.
The certifications, announced by the NIFC in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 30, mark another milestone in Kenya’s campaign to attract international investors seeking opportunities across East Africa and the wider continent.
According to the authority, the newly certified firms operate across high-growth sectors including financial technology (fintech), artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, carbon finance, insurance, investment management and capital markets infrastructure.
The companies are expected to use Kenya as a regional base for investment, innovation and expansion while mobilising capital into strategic sectors that support long-term economic growth.
“The latest certifications add to the NIFC’s rapidly expanding and increasingly diverse portfolio of firms choosing Kenya as their platform for investment, innovation and regional expansion,” the authority said in its statement.
NIFC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mainda described the approvals as a strong endorsement of Kenya’s investment climate and regulatory framework, saying they demonstrate growing international confidence in the country’s ambition to become Africa’s premier international financial centre.
“Every firm we certify is making a deliberate vote of confidence in Kenya’s future. Collectively, these firms are building the ecosystem that will define the next generation of finance in Africa, where capital is mobilised, technology is commercialised, innovation is financed and sustainable investment thrives,” Mainda said.
He added that the certifications extend beyond simply licensing companies, arguing that they represent a broader strategy to channel investment into productive sectors, generate quality employment opportunities and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
“Our focus is not just on approving firms. It is about attracting investment that creates quality jobs, drives innovation and positions Kenya as the preferred gateway for investors looking to expand across Africa,” he added.
The latest approvals are also expected to reinforce Kenya’s growing presence in digital finance. Several of the newly certified firms intend to develop cross-border payment systems, stablecoin solutions and tokenised financial products as demand for digital financial services continues to rise globally.
The move comes as Kenya increasingly embraces digital assets and financial technology, with cryptocurrency adoption among the country’s population remaining among the highest in Africa. Authorities have in recent years sought to develop a clearer regulatory framework aimed at balancing innovation with investor protection.
The Nairobi International Financial Centre, a state corporation established under the National Treasury through the NIFC Act, 2017, is mandated to market Kenya as a global financial services destination while attracting both domestic and international investment. The authority also issues official entry certificates to companies seeking to operate within the NIFC ecosystem.
The latest round of certifications adds to Kenya’s broader strategy of attracting international capital, supporting emerging technologies and cementing Nairobi’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing financial centres.
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