Kenya has approved 15 new firms to operate under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), a move expected to unlock Ksh 25.8 billion ($200 million) in fresh investments and create more than 1,000 jobs as the country steps up efforts to become Africa’s leading financial hub.
The latest certifications bring the total number of companies licensed under the NIFC framework to 16, with more approvals expected before mid-July as investor interest in Kenya continues to rise.
The newly admitted firms span a wide range of sectors, including fintech, digital finance, artificial intelligence, climate finance, healthcare, investment management and capital markets.
Those certified are Bupa Global Insurance Limited, Etica Capital Limited, Giraffe Bioenergy Limited, Valr Capital Limited, ReportsAI Limited, Afrex Technologies Limited, Onfon Mobile Limited, 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).
The NIFC said the investments will support Kenya’s growing financial services industry while creating employment opportunities across technology, finance and green energy.
Chief Executive Daniel Mainda said the latest approvals underline growing confidence in Kenya’s economy and its ambition to position Nairobi as an international financial centre.
The Centre was established under the Nairobi International Financial Centre Act to attract international financial institutions and investors by offering a business-friendly regulatory environment and incentives for qualifying firms.
Several of the newly certified companies are investing in emerging financial technologies, including digital assets, tokenised securities, virtual asset-enabled cross-border payments, stablecoin infrastructure and artificial intelligence-powered financial services.
Others are focusing on climate-related investments through afforestation, bioenergy and carbon credit projects, reflecting Kenya’s growing role in sustainable finance.
The NIFC is also promoting private equity, venture capital, startup financing and fund domiciliation as part of efforts to deepen Kenya’s capital markets and improve access to investment capital.
Beyond attracting investors, the Centre has expanded its international reach by signing cooperation agreements with the Qatar Financial Centre, Astana International Financial Centre and Casablanca Finance City to promote cross-border investment and financial collaboration.
The certifications come shortly after the Cabinet approved Kenya’s hosting of the Secretariat of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), further strengthening Nairobi’s position as a regional financial and investment hub.
The NIFC is working closely with the Central Bank of Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority, the Insurance Regulatory Authority, the Retirement Benefits Authority, and the Nairobi Securities Exchange to develop a globally competitive financial ecosystem.
Mainda said the Centre remains focused on attracting long-term investment that supports innovation, creates quality jobs and channels capital into productive sectors of the economy.
With additional firms expected to receive certification in the coming weeks, Kenya is hoping to build on the momentum as it competes with established financial centres across Africa for global investment.
Leave a comment