Kenya is looking at $200 million (Sh25.8 billion) in fresh investments after the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) certified 15 new firms bringing the total to 16.
This, as it reinforces the country’s ambition to become Africa’s leading financial hub with additional firms expected by mid July.
The newly certified firms operate across digital finance, artificial intelligence, climate and carbon markets, investment management, healthcare, fintech and capital markets innovation.
Their investments are expected to create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, signalling growing investor confidence in Kenya’s business and regulatory environment.
The firms include Bupa Global Insurance Limited, Etica Capital Limited, Giraffe Bioenergy Limited, Valr Capital Limited, ReportsAI Limited, Afrex Technologies Limited and Onfon Mobile Limited.
Others are JPH Investments Limited, Nairobi Pesa City, Mzizi Court Limited, Uhuru Heights Limited, Zurit Consulting, Assnture Afrique Limited, BoC Technologies Limited and Africa First Exchange (A1X).
NIFC chief executive Daniel Mainda yesterday said the certifications demonstrate confidence in Kenya’s vision of becoming Africa’s premier international financial centre.
“Every firm we certify is making a deliberate vote of confidence in Kenya’s future. These firms are building an ecosystem where capital is mobilised, innovation is financed and sustainable investment thrives,” Mainda said.
He noted that the initiative goes beyond licensing companies, focusing on attracting capital into productive sectors, creating jobs and commercialising innovation.
Several of the certified firms are investing in digital assets, tokenised securities, virtual asset-enabled cross-border payments, stablecoin infrastructure and AI-powered financial services.
Others are driving climate finance through afforestation, bioenergy and carbon credit projects expected to generate investment while supporting Kenya’s green growth agenda.
The authority is also prioritising private equity, venture capital, startup financing and fund domiciliation to deepen Kenya’s financial markets.
Beyond firm certifications, the NIFC has expanded international partnerships through cooperation agreements with the Qatar Financial Centre, Astana International Financial Centre and Casablanca Finance City, strengthening Nairobi’s links to global capital markets.
The certifications come after the Cabinet approved Kenya to host the Secretariat of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), a move expected to enhance Nairobi’s role in mobilising capital and shaping Africa’s financial development agenda.
The NIFC has also strengthened collaboration with the Central Bank of Kenya, Capital Markets Authority, Insurance Regulatory Authority, Retirement Benefits Authority and the Nairobi Securities Exchange as it builds a globally competitive financial ecosystem.
Mainda said the Centre remains focused on attracting global investors, creating quality jobs and positioning Nairobi as Africa’s preferred gateway for finance, innovation and investment.
