Kenya is intensifying efforts to position itself as a preferred destination for American mining firms as government reforms and private sector calls converge on unlocking the country’s vast critical mineral potential. At the US–Kenya Critical Supply Chain Conference in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho said Kenya is ready to engage U.S. investors as it reforms policies to attract capital and accelerate sector growth.
Joho said the government is reviewing its regulatory framework to remove long-standing obstacles that have slowed foreign investment in mining. He noted that clearer rules, improved licensing processes and supportive infrastructure are central to Kenya’s strategy of transforming mining into a key pillar of economic diversification and export growth.
“I want to tell Americans that, as a country, we are willing and ready to engage them in this sector,” Joho said, adding that investments in transport, energy and port infrastructure are underway to support expanded mining operations and reduce project costs for investors.
Delegates at the conference echoed the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks, urging the government to move faster in addressing regulatory and operational barriers that delay mining projects. Industry players said predictable and transparent policies are now as important as the availability of mineral resources in attracting long-term investment.
American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya CEO Maxwell Okello said investors are increasingly focused on certainty and execution. “Capital looks for certainty, not just opportunity,” Okello said, adding that investors want clear reform pathways that allow projects to move efficiently from planning to production.
Despite Kenya’s mineral wealth, the extractive sector currently contributes modestly to the economy. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows the mining sector generated Sh223.6 billion ($1.7 billion) in revenue in the 2024 financial year, accounting for about 0.7 per cent of GDP, highlighting the scale of untapped potential.
Conference delegates pointed to Kenya’s rare earth deposits, including the Mrima Hills in Kwale County, as a strategic asset that could position the country as a regional hub for critical minerals. Angela Nganga said Kenya could attract long-term capital and capture more value if it strengthens its regulatory framework and builds processing and sector capacity.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said reliable supply chains are critical to investor confidence and economic empowerment, calling for deeper cooperation across the mining value chain. Delegates agreed that aligning standards, streamlining approvals and reducing investment risk would strengthen US–Kenya supply chains and drive sustainable economic growth for both countries.
