Kenya unveils bold reforms to attract global investors into mining sector

KAZUNGU CHAI-PCO

Kenya has sent a powerful signal to global investors, declaring itself “open for business” in the mining sector as it unveiled sweeping reforms, lucrative incentives and vast untapped mineral wealth at the Africa Down Under (ADU) 2025 Mining Conference in Perth, Australia.

Long known for its natural beauty and innovation, Kenya is now positioning itself as Africa’s next mining frontier – rich in critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.

From lithium, graphite and copper to niobium, tantalum and rare earth elements, Kenya is offering what it calls “one of the world’s last great opportunities” for investors eager to secure future-facing resources.

Speaking at the flagship conference, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho highlighted the country’s determination to transform its largely untapped mineral wealth into a globally competitive, sustainable and investor-friendly industry.

“We want to use this Africa Down Under Conference to create wealth, to create opportunities, to create jobs, to spur our industrialization and change lives. Our mineral resources cannot continue to remain down under,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

CS Joho pointed out that Kenya is stepping into the spotlight as a serious and strategic player in the global mining industry, emphasizing that the country’s vast critical mineral deposits position it at the heart of the global energy transition.

At the core of this transformation are bold reforms driven by President William Ruto’s administration. 

These include competitive incentive packages such as investment allowances of up to 150 per cent, tax loss carry-forwards of up to 10 years, exemptions on import duty and VAT for specialized mining equipment and capital deductions.

“We have a government that is responsive to the global standards of doing business and is ready and willing to engage in line with the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda as envisioned by His Excellency the President,” CS Joho informed investors.

Investor confidence, the Cabinet Secretary assured, is protected by a robust legal framework including constitutional safeguards for property rights, the Foreign Investments Protection Act as well as membership in the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

Beyond incentives, CS Joho underscored Kenya’s commitment to sustainability, community benefit, and global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.

Additionally, Kenya has designated strategic minerals for priority development and completed a nationwide Airborne Geophysical Survey, generating high-resolution geological data to significantly reduce exploration risks.

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai informed hundreds of investors who attended the conference that the nationwide Airborne Geophysical Survey has unlocked new mineral corridors and fresh frontiers for investors in one of Africa’s least explored terrains.

The timing could not be sharper. With global demand for critical minerals surging to power electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital technologies, Kenya is pitching itself as the reliable and responsible partner the world needs.