This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
Kenya's anti-corruption drive has been instrumental in boosting the country's economic growth, with the President committing to uphold good business practices at the US-East Africa Trade and Investment Forum in Nairobi.
According to President Uhuru Kenyatta, the anti-corruption campaign has made Kenya a better potential site for investment, with the country's ranking improving to position 56 on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index.
However, the President emphasized that the campaign must be a group effort, with businesses taking part by fully adhering to the anti-graft Code of Conduct.
He noted that companies must understand that corrupt business practices can damage Kenya's image as a safe investment option, and that the government is committed to creating an environment of transparency and fairness.
As part of the plan, the government aims to make it easier for international and local companies to expand their ventures in Kenya, without being hindered by the threat of bribery or other forms of corruption.
Kenya is working to increase awareness of business opportunities in the country, with US-based companies such as General Electric and Phillips already expanding their ventures in Kenya.
The government's continued investment in infrastructure, including the SGR and extension of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway line to Suswa, has been essential to reducing the cost of doing business.
With the government targeting the creation of at least 6.5 million secure and stable jobs, many of which will be in industries such as energy, infrastructure, and logistics, the country is on track to becoming a middle-income economy.
As Belgian Ambassador Nicolas Nihon noted, the challenge of finding gainful employment is a universal one, and the Kenyan government is working to foster SMEs and creative startups that address this changing reality.
Kenya is increasingly being seen as a partner country rather than a recipient of aid, with high-income countries like Belgium and the US preferring to inject their money through business partnerships or trade.
With the nation demanding transparency, accountability, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the government is committed to delivering on development promises and creating opportunities for the unpredictable world order.
