Kenya’s president applauds himself for doubling foreign interest in his country’s economy

The current president of Kenya, William Ruto, recently recognized the latest findings from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's World Investment Report 2026, stating that the statistics represent increased international trust in Kenya's economy under his leadership.

• Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted a record increase in foreign direct investment, rising from $1.5 billion in 2022 to $3.2 billion in 2025.
• He attributed the surge to growth in sectors like clean energy, digital infrastructure, financial services, and manufacturing.
• Ruto noted that economic reforms, a stable currency, and an aggressive privatization agenda have improved Kenya's investment climate.
• Kenya's FDI growth stands out globally, as most emerging economies saw only modest gains according to UNCTAD's latest report.

In a post on X, the Kenyan president stated that foreign direct investment (FDI) into the nation had more than doubled from $1.5 billion in 2022, the year he took office, to $3.2 billion in 2025, the greatest yearly inflow ever recorded by Kenya.

“This is a clear vote of confidence in Kenya's future. The momentum is driven by our fastest-moving sectors: Development of clean geothermal energy and digital infrastructure, financial services, and manufacturing,” he stated.

Ruto, who was inaugurated into office in September 2022 after winning a closely contested presidential election, inherited an economy plagued by increasing inflation, a sinking currency, and financial strains on the government.

He also attributed the country's improved investment climate to a stable Kenyan shilling, a rebounding stock market, and continuing reforms, including an aggressive privatization program aimed at increasing private sector participation.

“This very positive economic outlook is anchored by a stable shilling, a rallying stock market, and bold reforms, including our privatisation agenda, that is opening new doors for private capital,” he stated on X.

The investment growth comes as global FDI indications of recovery in 2025, following two years of contraction; however, the recovery was uneven across areas.

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According to UNCTAD, emerging economies experienced only modest growth, making Kenya's record inflows stand out in an otherwise tough global investment landscape.

The president lauded the new results as a "clear vote of confidence" in Kenya's economic future, expressing hope that the country is well positioned to attract further international investments.

While record FDI inflows indicate increased investor confidence, long-term impact will ultimately be determined by how well these investments convert into new industries, quality jobs, technology transfer, and sustained economic growth.