The Investor Journey is an initiative implemented by the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) to enhance the investment experience in Kenya. This process is designed to provide clarity, predictability, and efficiency for both local and international investors, reducing the time and effort required to establish investments in the country.
What It Is:
The Streamlined Investor Journey is a structured pathway that guides investors through the necessary steps to invest in Kenya. It includes a centralized system known as the One Start One Go (OSOG) Center, which acts as a single point of contact for investors to access various government services needed to start and maintain their investments.
Why It Is:
This initiative was developed to address the complexities and inefficiencies that previously hindered the investment process in Kenya. By simplifying the procedures and creating a transparent system, the Streamlined Investor Journey aims to attract more foreign and local investments, boost economic growth, and position Kenya as a favorable investment destination. The introduction of preferential treatment, such as the green channel for high-value investments, also aims to attract larger investments by offering tailored incentives.
How It Works:
The Investor Journey works by categorizing investors based on the type and size of their investment.
- One Start One Go (OSOG) Center: All investors, regardless of their project type, begin their journey at the OSOG Center, where they can access services such as business registration, tax services, environmental management, and immigration. The center also provides data and information to help investors conceptualize and implement their projects.
- Green Channel Facilitation: Investors with capital investments exceeding $5 million receive priority facilitation, which includes meetings with key government officials to expedite their projects. For investments over $50 million, investors are given the opportunity to present their proposals to the National Investment Council, chaired by the President of Kenya, to negotiate any customized incentives.
- Grievance Handling Mechanism: The process includes a transparent system for addressing any issues or disputes that arise during the investment process. This mechanism ensures that grievances are resolved efficiently, with escalation paths leading up to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects: For public projects under the PPP framework, investors are guided through a dedicated directorate that handles structured government projects or private projects that have already been packaged for investment.
