BII Unveils Innovative Investment Strategy to Boost Growth in Kenya

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has officially unveiled its new strategy for 2026-31, reinforcing the UK’s dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience through private sector investment across Africa.

The launch event in Nairobi signifies a crucial milestone in the UK-Kenya economic partnership and builds on BII’s substantial track record in East Africa, where it committed approximately KSh 154.8 billion during its previous five-year strategy.

Investment Goals and Strategies

Under the new strategy, BII plans to invest around KSh 864.3 billion of its own capital while mobilising up to KSh 683.7 billion in private capital across the continent. In Kenya specifically, this will translate into increased investments in businesses and infrastructure, with a focus on attracting additional institutional capital and creating an environment conducive to enhanced investment flows into the economy.

To achieve these objectives, BII will collaborate closely with both public and private sector partners to strengthen financial markets, develop investment systems, and tackle barriers that hinder capital from reaching productive enterprises and vital infrastructure.

BII is set to raise the proportion of its climate finance investments to at least 40%, aimed at facilitating the transition to renewable energy and enhancing electricity networks—ultimately powering 10 million households with clean energy. The new strategy aspires to create jobs and economic opportunities for 10 million individuals across Africa, with a commitment to ensuring that at least 30% of its core investments focus on enhancing economic opportunities for women.

Statements from Key Figures

At the launch event, the British High Commissioner to Kenya underscored the significance of investment-driven growth within the UK-Kenya partnership. He remarked on the long-term collaborative efforts between the UK and Kenya to support businesses and entrepreneurs dedicated to job creation and economic advancement.

He stated, “Through British International Investment’s new strategy, we will unlock more investment and assist Kenyan businesses in their growth and success. Our partnership is centred on transforming investment into jobs and opportunities for the populace, ultimately fostering a more prosperous future where growth benefits all.”

The UK Minister for International Development and Africa highlighted Kenya’s dynamic economy, expressing pride in BII’s new strategy, which aims to forge a novel kind of development partnership with Kenya and other African nations. This initiative focuses on unlocking private investment, strengthening financial systems, and collaborating with local partners to achieve shared objectives.

CEO Insights and Economic Impact

Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of BII, elaborated on the strategy’s objectives, emphasising the intention to go beyond merely investing BII’s own capital. “We aim to leverage our capital, experience, and partnerships to unlock investments from others and build markets capable of attracting capital at a larger scale,” he noted.

Maasdorp called upon local capital providers in Kenya to join forces with BII in finding practical avenues to channel more domestic capital into productive businesses and infrastructure. Currently, BII-backed businesses in Kenya support over 57,000 direct jobs across more than 120 enterprises and make a significant contribution to government revenues, having paid over KSh 62 billion in taxes.

The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with Kenya to unlock investment opportunities, foster business growth, and create quality jobs. Through BII and the broader economic partnership, both nations are striving to ensure that investments yield tangible benefits for Kenyan businesses and communities, thereby promoting long-term prosperity and sustainable development.

BII’s Transformative Role in Kenya

Over the years, BII has been instrumental in supporting some of Kenya’s most transformative businesses and sectors, including:

• East African Industries, now under Unilever, which benefited from BII’s support for two decades and produces a variety of well-known local brands, from Blue Band margarine to Omo washing powder.
• Kenya Tea Development Authority, which received BII’s backing in its early days and has grown to become the world’s third-largest exporter of tea and Kenya’s second-largest source of foreign exchange.
• Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which has enhanced digital connectivity across Kenya and the region, thereby improving access to digital services and promoting financial inclusion.

BII is also contributing to Kenya’s climate objectives through investments in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, with notable initiatives such as:

• SunCulture, providing solar-powered irrigation solutions that assist over 16,000 smallholder farmers in increasing yields while significantly conserving water resources.
• Renewable energy projects in Malindi and Menengai, which aim to extend access to clean power and bolster Kenya’s renewable energy capacity.