State Department for Investment Promotion-Kenya

09/07/2026

CREATING A SIMPLER, FASTER AND MORE PREDICTABLE BUSINESS LICENSING SYSTEM FOR KENYA

The State Department for Investment Promotion (SDIP) has concluded stakeholder engagement forums across 10 regional lblocks on the proposed amendments to the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to create a simpler, faster and more predictable licensing system for businesses across Kenya.

The proposed amendments seek to address implementation gaps identified following the enactment of the Act and the subsequent County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Regulations, 2025. The reforms aim to strengthen transparency, accountability, consistency and digitalization while making it easier for businesses to start, operate and expand across all 47 counties.

Among the key proposals is the introduction of one operating licence to replace the multiple county licences currently required for businesses undertaking related activities. The reforms also support the rollout of the Kenya Investment Single Window (KISW)—a digital platform that will enable investors to apply for business registration, tax identification, permits and county licences through a single online portal instead of navigating multiple government agencies.

The proposed framework also provides for standardized licensing procedures, uniform application forms, digital e-licensing systems and statutory timelines of 28 days for processing licence applications, reducing delays, lowering compliance costs and improving service delivery.

By harmonizing licensing procedures across all counties, the reforms will eliminate unnecessary administrative barriers, increase regulatory certainty and create a more competitive and investor-friendly business environment that supports enterprise growth, job creation and sustainable economic development.

30/06/2026

The State Department today joined Kilifi County Government ,UK in Kenya , FSD Kenya and Milly Group in Malindi, Kilifi County, for the official opening of Milly Fruits EPZ — a KES 250 million fruit processing facility expected to create 150 direct jobs and support over 1,000 farmers.

More than a factory, this investment is a solution to one of agriculture's biggest challenges: cutting post-harvest losses while creating reliable markets for farmers. Aligned with Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the project was made possible through strategic partnerships, including the Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) Programme support for critical processing equipment and the State Department's fostering of an enabling investment environment through Kenya Investment Authority investor facilitation and aftercare, Export Processing Zones Authority - Kenya and Special Economic Zones Authority's incentives, investment de-risking via Kenya Development Corporation and supportive policy and regulatory frameworks.

This is what farm, value-add and export looks like in practice. Still, the pipeline keeps growing: Milly Group's next investment, a KES 3.5 billion pharmaceutical glass manufacturing facility at Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, is projected to create over 500 more direct jobs — the first facility of its kind in the region.

Kenya remains open, safe and ready for business.

18/06/2026

As the 11th Our Ocean Conference drew to a close in Mombasa, Kenya cemented its place at the forefront of global ocean leadership, having successfully hosted the Conference on African soil for the very first time.

The closing ceremony presided over by H.E. William Samoei Ruto brought together an influential coalition of global leaders and ocean champions, including European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for the Ocean Ambasador Peter Thompson, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hon. Ali Hassan Joho , Canada's Director General for Fisheries and International Policy Darcy DeMasico, Jamaica's Cabinet Minister and International advocate for climate action, environmental protection and sustainable development, Senator Matthew Samuda alongside ministers, governors and President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi , development partners, investors and delegates from 104 countries and institutions.

Over four days, more than 6,000 of the Blue Economy. The Conference amplified the voices of communities, youth, researchers, indigenous peoples and the private sector, reinforcing the importance of inclusive solutions to global ocean challenges.

In his closing address, President Ruto underscored the urgency of collective action, noting that oceans absorb nearly 90% of excess heat generated by greenhouse gases and almost one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions, yet continue to face unprecedented threats from pollution, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification and rising sea levels.

The defining highlight of the Conference was Kenya's announcement of 40 new commitments valued at USD 1.1 billion, contributing to more than 300 commitments worth USD 5.7 billionregistered during the Conference. President Ruto also highlighted Kenya's investment of KSh 20.3 billion in the Blue Economy and fisheries sector over the past three years, benefiting more than 86,000 Kenyans through investments in fisheries infrastructure, aquaculture, maritime research and coastal livelihoods.

The Conference also witnessed strong international support for ocean sustainability, with the European Union announcing additional commitments exceeding €62 million to strengthen ocean observation systems, conservation initiatives and global cooperation.

As the baton passes to Canada for the 2027 Our Ocean Conference, the message from Mombasa is clear: the future of our oceans depends on our collective ability to translate commitments into measurable results through stronger partnerships, innovative financing and sustainable investment.

17/06/2026

We were also honoured to host Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui at our exhibition booth during the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa.

His visit underscores the Government's commitment to leveraging the Blue Economy as a catalyst for investment, innovation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

📍 We invite all conference participants, investors, development partners and business leaders to visit the **State Department for Investment Promotion Exhibition Booth** and discover investment opportunities across Kenya's Blue Economy and other high-growth sectors.

17/06/2026

Today, we joined Kithure Kindiki, Hon. Ali Hassan Joho Lee Kinyanjui, and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir at the official opening of the 11th # OurOcean2026 Conference in Mombasa marking the first time the event is being hosted in Africa.

Held under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," the gathering seeks to advance solutions that safeguard our oceans while unlocking sustainable investment opportunities, fostering inclusive economic growth and strengthening the Blue Economy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to leveraging the Blue Economy as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation and sustainable development. He emphasized the country's resolve to position Africa as a leading voice in global ocean governance.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs challenged stakeholders to ensure that commitments made at the Conference translate into measurable outcomes for communities, economies and the environment, while Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry underscored the critical role of investment, innovation and private-sector participation in unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy.

Our Ocean Conference Founder John Kerry called for urgent action to safeguard marine ecosystems and accelerate the implementation of global commitments on ocean conservation.

As Kenya hosts this landmark global gathering, the State Department for Investment Promotion remains committed to connecting investors with opportunities across fisheries, aquaculture, maritime logistics, coastal tourism, renewable ocean energy, blue technology and other high-impact sectors that will drive inclusive growth and create sustainable livelihoods.

14/06/2026

For the first time in its history, the 11th Our Ocean Conference is being held in Africa and today, the world gathered in Mombasa to discuss the future of one of the continent's greatest untapped assets: its blue economy.

The significance of this moment signals a growing recognition that the future of ocean-based growth will be shaped not only in traditional economic centres, but also in emerging regions such as Africa, home to 38 coastal states and more than 13 million km² of ocean territory.

According to the African Union, Africa's blue economy could contribute up to US$405 billion annually by 2030. From sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to maritime logistics, coastal tourism, renewabby 2030. From sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to maritime logistics, coastal tourism, renewable ocean energy and blue technology, the sector has the potential to create millions of jobs, strengthen food security, expand trade and transform coastal communities across the continent.

These realities formed the backdrop of the Business & Investment Forum, officially opened by Principal Secretaries Abubakar Hassan Abubakar (Investment Promotion) and Regina Ombam (Trade), who called for stronger partnerships, innovative financing and increased private investment to unlock the sector's full potential.

For decades, Africa's waters have largely been viewed as pathways for global trade. Today, they are increasingly being recognized as economic assets capable of generating growth, attracting investment and positioning Africa as a leader in the global blue economy.

unlocking Africa's blue economy potential must go hand in hand with safeguarding the marine ecosystems that sustain it. Through the Conference, Kenya is demonstrating that the future of the blue economy lies not only in harnessing the opportunities of the ocean, but also in ensuring that its ecosystems remain healthy, productive and resilient for generations to come.

02/06/2026

From cotton fields to world-class manufacturing, Kenya’s textile transformation is underway. At Rivatex East Africa, a bold investment is driving industrial growth, strengthening local cotton production and redefining the journey from farm to fabric.

Discover the story behind Kenya’s cotton-to-clothing revolution.





DFS-kenya
ARISE IIP
TradeMark Africa

01/06/2026

18/05/2026

Despite the hum of cotton ginneries in western Kenya falling silent. At Luanda Ginnery, Buluanda village in Busia County, that story is being rewritten.

With a ginning capacity of up to 10 bales every 8 hours, this farmer-owned ginnery is reconnecting over 1,100 farmers to opportunity, restoring confidence in cotton production and proving that with the right systems, support and value addition, Kenya’s cotton sector is rising again.




DFS-kenya
TradeMark Africa