NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 20 – The Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya) and the East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) have signed a partnership to attract more private capital into the country and position Kenya as a leading hub for investment in East Africa.
The partnership seeks to mobilise domestic and international financing while strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will jointly promote Kenya as a preferred destination for private capital through investment missions, roadshows and targeted deal pipeline development to connect investors with high-potential businesses.
They will also conduct joint research, investment insights and market intelligence to support evidence-based investment decisions, alongside capacity-building workshops to improve investor readiness and strengthen local institutional capabilities.
“Private capital is shaping the future of economic growth, and Kenya continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations. Our renewed partnership will focus on mobilizing private capital into priority sectors, advancing investment policy reforms, strengthening market intelligence, and deepening public-private collaboration,” Invest Kenya Chief Executive Officer John Mwendwa said during the signing.
Mwendwa said private capital extends beyond financing businesses, supporting innovation, enterprise growth, industrialisation and job creation.
Kenya has remained a major destination for startup investors, supported by its technology adoption and relatively mature market.
According to Africa: The Big Deal, Kenyan startups raised Sh16.3 billion in the first half of 2026, slightly below the Sh17 billion raised during the same period in 2025.
Kenya ranked third in Africa for startup funding, behind Egypt, which attracted Sh42.3 billion, and Nigeria, which raised Sh32.8 billion.
In equity funding, Nigeria led with $214 million, followed by Egypt with $183 million, South Africa with $66 million and Kenya with $46 million.
“For EAVCA, success will be measured not simply by how well we promote Kenya, but by how effectively we turn that engagement into investment, stronger businesses and long-term economic value,” said Christine Maina, who represented the EAVCA Chief Executive Officer.
