Foreign Investors Eye 500 for agriculture Opportunities in Nairobi

Kenya’s infrastructure and energy sectors are set for a major boost after three leading companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced plans to invest billions of shillings in port modernization, renewable energy, and shipping projects. The move underscores the UAE’s growing interest in deepening its trade and investment footprint in East Africa as part of wider efforts to strengthen economic ties with Kenya.
Among the firms is Gulftainer, a global logistics and port management company, which is eyeing a 25-year public-private partnership to modernize and operate berths 11 to 14 at the Port of Mombasa. The firm also plans to co-finance the rehabilitation of older terminals and launch a direct shipping line to enhance connectivity along the Indian Ocean corridor. The investment is expected to improve trade efficiency, cut logistical costs, and reinforce Mombasa’s position as a regional maritime hub.
Meanwhile, BEEAH Group, a UAE-based conglomerate with interests in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainability, is exploring partnerships with Kenyan counties to promote green infrastructure and clean energy solutions. This aligns with Kenya’s climate goals under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Additionally, Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s federal export credit agency, pledged financial support for Kenya–UAE trade, particularly in clean energy financing and investment risk insurance. ECI had earlier committed $500 million to Africa’s green energy sector as part of the UAE’s broader $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative.
The investment intentions were announced during the UAE–Kenya Trade and Investment Forum, jointly organized by the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and the Sharjah Exports Development Center. The high-level meeting brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and investors to explore opportunities in Kenya’s priority sectors including infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy.
Speaking at the forum, Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Akoth Ombam reaffirmed Kenya’s openness to strategic partnerships that create jobs and accelerate industrial growth. Our partnership with the UAE is central to our national economic strategy. We are focused on attracting quality investments that deliver tangible outcomes and drive inclusive prosperity, she said. With UAE foreign direct investment in Kenya surpassing USD 121 million in 2024, this latest wave of projects signals a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation.