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State initiatives and infrastructure development support Kenyan tourism

Kenya | Tourism

After some challenging years, Kenya’s tourism industry is recovering, with the country becoming an increasingly attractive destination as stability and confidence have returned, travel connections have improved and relevant government programmes have come into effect. The authorities are adopting increasingly innovative policies to encourage growth, which appear to be yielding results, with tourism arrivals and sector earnings both on the rise in recent years.

Historical Context

Tourism has been a key element in the economy for more than a century. The country first saw large numbers of visitors in the late 19th century and became an especially popular destination in the 1920s. The colonial government, noting the value of the natural landscapes, passed a series of laws to manage these assets and properly administer them, such as the Game Preservation Proclamation of 1920 and the Game Ordinance of 1921. Colonial authorities also expanded the reserves and national parks. Furthermore, the founding of the East African Tourist Travel Association in 1948 – an early effort to promote tourism – was well timed, as long-distance commercial air travel was becoming more practical, bringing Kenya well within reach of most European travellers. By 1964 the country was receiving 65,450 annual tourists, more than three times the amount seen in 1948, and the most by far in East Africa.

After the country won independence in 1963, efforts continued. The new nation was in need of foreign exchange earnings, and tourism was seen as an effective avenue to balance the national accounts. Kenya spent heavily on sector promotion, opening tourism offices in New York, London and Frankfurt, and forming the Kenya Tourist Development Corporation in 1965. After a period of rapid expansion, it began to stagnate in the 1990s as competition increased and internal problems made visitors more wary of the country.

The early 2000s and 2010s also saw various challenges. Monthly tourism numbers peaked at 143,556 in July 2011. The troubles of 2013 and subsequent terror attacks made security a major concern, leading to significant reductions in arrivals. For a country with such strong natural attractions, Kenya has relatively few visitor arrivals in both regional and global terms. Morocco and South Africa, for instance, both have more than 10m annual visitors; Egypt and Tunisia receive more than 5m; and Zimbabwe and Algeria over 2m.

Improving Performance

However, improvements have been noted more recently, with the sector performing robustly in 2017 despite it being an election year. In the past, elections have been problematic for tourism, with figures falling from 1.69m to 1.14m at the time of the 2007-08 contest. Contrary to this trend, 2017 saw totals increase by 8.1%, from 1.34m to 1.45m.

According to figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, this uptick in arrivals was accompanied by a 20.3% increase in the direct value of the sector, reaching KSh119.9bn ($1.2bn). However, in its “Power and Performance 2018” report, the World Travel & Tourism Council noted that with indirect markets taken into account, tourism contributed $7.43bn, or 9.7% of GDP, in 2017. This placed Kenya 71st out of 185 countries. According to the “Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2018” report by the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, total sector contribution to GDP is set to record 5.5% real growth in 2018, and average 5.1% expansion per annum over the 2018-28 period, placing it third in sub-Saharan Africa behind Tanzania (7.1%) and Namibia (5.4%).

Beneath the headline figures, other encouraging trends have arisen. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, in 2017 US arrivals grew by 17% to 114,507, while those from the UK were up 11.1% to 107,078. Meanwhile, there were 4m bed-nights reported, up from 3.5m in the previous year, suggesting a strengthening market. Growth is expected to continue, with arrivals anticipated to increase by 16% in 2018.

Source Markets

Along with the uptick in numbers, changes in the make-up of the market have been observed, with traffic becoming more diverse. In 2016, for instance, the US overtook the UK, and it has been a strong and rising source of visitors. This placed the UK second, and Uganda came in third.

African nations are accounting for a larger share of visitors to Kenya, with 95,845 collective arrivals from Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda in 2017, up significantly from 80,841 and 58,032 in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The share of visitors coming from Uganda increased from 3.9% in 2015 to 6.4% in 2017. This is driven by not only the economic prosperity and expanding middle class, but also supportive policy in the region. Africa is becoming a place of relatively open borders, which is facilitating tourism. Ugandans and Rwandans can travel freely to Kenya using only their ID cards, and all citizens of the EAC can travel to the country without visas. A multi-entry single tourist visa programme has been in effect since February 2014, allowing travellers visiting Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda to move among all three countries under a single permit, though Tanzania and Burundi are not included in this.

The larger region is also trending towards liberalisation, with Seychelles, Namibia, Ghana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Nigeria and Benin all having no-visa policies for other African countries, while the African Union introduced the idea of a continental passport in 2016.

Points of Origin

Although the authorities have made moves to facilitate tourism within Africa, the majority of visitors are intercontinental. In 2017, 35% of people entering the country come from Europe, 29% from Africa, 15% from Asia and 15% from the Americas. In addition to intracontinental tourism, Kenya is putting a larger emphasis on encouraging domestic tourism, a segment that grew by 15.9% in 2017.

Related industries have similarly been growing rapidly, serving as major drivers of the economy. The accommodation and restaurant segment has recorded the strongest rates of expansion for a number of years, at 13.3% in 2016, 14.7% in 2017, 13.5% in the first quarter of 2018 and 15.7% in the second quarter of that year.

The authorities continue to work to support further expansion. When President Uhuru Kenyatta first came into office in 2013, he announced that his administration would work to attract 3m tourists a year, and he has called for easier travel throughout the EAC in support of this. Also in the works is a longer-term master plan that aims to increase the number of annual visitors to 5m.

Master Plan

In June 2018 the government released a plan to achieve the country’s long-term vision to develop its tourism industry. The National Tourism Blueprint (NTB) 2030 aims to transform the sector, dealing with all components of the value chain to create a comprehensive set of offerings that both increase visitor numbers and assure sustainability.

The country aims to hit 5m yearly tourist arrivals by 2030, KSh200bn ($2bn) of public revenue and 3m jobs in the sector. It is also seeking to expand domestic tourism, with 26.4m visitors per year by 2030. The NTB focuses on four key areas: product strategy, tourism marketing, investment promotion and infrastructure. A number of sub-strategies have been identified, which broadly aim to improve, diversify, refresh and innovate the sector.

The initiative will be carried out in various stages. First, the authorities aim to jump-start existing products and upgrade the traditional markets, making over the existing framework. Second, new markets and offerings will be explored to build on the successful foundations in place. According to the NTB, the first stage will occur over the 2018-23 period, before the authorities begin to diversify in 2021. The government plans to invest in ongoing maintenance of the sector throughout the 13 years of the programme.

A total of 14 strategic initiatives have been identified, with specific plans to construct a six-lane highway to parallel the Madaraka Express and 13 new hotels. The blueprint also calls for institutional development through the establishment of a National Tourism Council, which will help with the formulation and implementation of tourism initiatives. A number of other new boards and bodies are also envisioned, including regional tourism councils and a tourism transformation fund, as well as subsidiary directorates.

The plan also calls for some large-scale, complex infrastructure works. Under the NTB, Kenya will create seven so-called branded corridors on 2500 km of roads, which are set to provide visitors with access to beach and mountain experiences alike. Secondary airports have also been targeted as part of the strategy. In terms of marketing, it is hoped that the country shifts from the traditional model and starts to embrace more online strategies. A so-called Brand Kenya will be created, and the sales system will be upgraded to make the country a preferred partner for the industry while engaging overseas representatives. Incentive programmes are set to include a refurbishment fund, the promotion of an international branded hotel, the Shanzu Creek Development City and resort cities. Cruise terminals and innovation centres are also in the NTB, as are airline incentive programmes, urban tourism and the commercialisation of beadwork.

Connectivity

Kenya’s land, sea and air connectivity continue to improve. Tourists are able travel quickly and affordably into and within the country with increasing ease. This is likely to stimulate tourism by improving travel patterns and removing bottlenecks that once made more creative itineraries impractical.

Much of the new activity is local, regional and low-cost in nature, helping shift the sector’s reputation from catering primarily to wealthy US citizens and Europeans to accommodating a wider range of individuals. A patchwork of micro-markets and short-haul networks is also developing. For example, Jambojet – Kenya Airway’s low-cost carrier (LCC) subsidiary founded in 2014 – introduced a new twice-daily service between Nairobi and Entebbe in February 2018. It is utilising a Bombardier Q400 and pricing seats at KSh11,330 ($111). With a fleet of four aircraft flying to seven destinations, the airline has noted increased demand on domestic routes.

Fly Tristar Services, another LCC, began operating along the coast of Kenya in summer 2018, and it is set to continue offering discounted fares of KSh4333 ($42) through to early 2019. The airline offers a route between Wilson and Mombasa three days per week. It also services Ukunda, Lamu and Malinidi on a charter basis. Founded in 2004, Safarilink is an older market player and utilises 11 smaller aircraft, Dash-8s and Cessnas to transport passengers to about 13 domestic destinations, such as Kilimanjaro, from its base at the Wilson International Airport in Nairobi.

While Kenya is well served by smaller fleets and LCCs, and a number of these are expanding their offerings, it is nonetheless an evolving business. AirKenya, for instance, announced that it will be discontinuing its coastal routes connecting Diani, Lamu and Malindi from 2019 to develop other services, such as a planned route between Mara and Entebbe starting June 2019.

Larger Carrier

Kenya Airways is in the midst of a recovery and restructuring programme that could help boost the tourism sector by offering improved direct connections and services. Founded in 1977, the airline has had a mixed history, expanding too rapidly at first and suffering from market volatility in recent years. The company reported the largest corporate loss in Kenyan history in FY 2015/16. While it continued to record losses, performance has since improved, with 3.1% revenue growth recorded in the first half of 2018.

In 2017 the carrier underwent a restructuring to put the airline on sound footing. In a massive debt-to-equity swap the government increased its stake from 29.8% to 48.9%, and the banks agreed to convert about $400m to stock. The Air France-KLM holding was reduced from 26.7% to 7.8%, while the International Finance Corporation and retail investors were all significantly diluted. Overall, the government and 11 local banks ended up taking over approximately 90% of the company.

With the restructuring has come changes to routes, which could provide the broader sector with a welcome boost. Kenya Airways – the sixth-largest carrier in Africa with 4.45m passengers in FY 2016/17 – will add an additional weekly flight to Mauritius beginning in November 2018. It also began code-sharing with Delta Airlines for routes from Nairobi to Europe, as well as for some routes beyond Nairobi, and it increased the frequency of flights to Amsterdam. Spokespeople for the airline said it was considering adding 20 new services – including a European and Asian route – over 2018-23 period as a part of its recovery efforts. The airline will also take back five aircraft it had sublet.

These initiatives have seen passenger numbers rising, while load factors are returning to healthy levels. Passengers numbers have increased by 71% over a decade, and in FY 2016/17 the load factor hit 72.3%, up from a low of 63.6% in FY 2014/2015 and approaching its recent peak of 73.6% in FY 2007/08. Transatlantic services are anticipated to further bolster this performance, supported by agreements signed by President Kenyatta and US President Donald Trump in 2018. After receiving a number of key approvals since 2017, the airline is beginning to offer direct services between New York and Nairobi on October 28, 2018. Tickets for the daily service went on sale early in the year, with prices as low as KSh87,000 ($852).

Kenya Airways believes that the flights will play a significant role in its future success, forecasting the service will help increase earnings by 10% in 2019. For tourists from the US the direct connection will make a significant difference, reducing travel time from 25 hours to 15, thus more conveniently linking Kenya with its biggest single source for tourists. This is also set to improve trade of certain perishable items. In addition to its large domestic carriers, Kenya is working to attract international LCCs, such as Ryanair and easyJet, to expand inexpensive and direct connections from the UK to its beaches and safari areas.

Ground Transport

The Standard-Gauge Railway project, which ended its first phase in January 2018 and is receiving KSh74.7bn ($732m) for the second phase, is helping the development of safari tourism, with tour operators telling industry press that this will reduce road traffic, and that they would use rail instead of air travel on trips to Tsavo National Park. The local market is a source of increased demand. With the opening of the twice-daily Madaraka Express train connecting Nairobi and Mombasa, the rise of LCCs, the improvement of various roads and the upgrading of airstrips, vacations are now more within reach for citizens of all income levels. In addition to land and air travel, cruise tourism is an area of focus. The Kenya Ports Authority noted an increase in arrivals during the 2017-18 cruise season, with six ships docking at Mombasa between October 2017 and March 2018. A cruise terminal is being built at Mombasa with the help of TradeMark East Africa to allow for the simultaneous docking of two ships. However, its anticipated completion date has been delayed from August 2018 to July 2019.

The government’s Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) anticipates the 2018 Kenya Open Golf Championship to promote the country as a golf tourism destination. The competition has been held since 1967, but the prize was increased by 127% in 2018 to KSh62.5m ($612,000). It now offers the highest monetary award in the European Challenge Tour, and this is set to double to KSh126m ($1.2m) in 2019. Betty Radier, CEO of the KTB, noted that the championship demonstrates Kenya’s strong golf history and tradition, with more than 40 golf courses, long days and favourable weather.

Further events are being planned, such as the first-ever international film festival in the country, set to be held in Malindi in Kilifi County in late 2018. Additionally, the return of flamingos to Lake Nakuru National Park is helping improve tourism in the North Rift area. Hotels report increased bookings, especially from Asian countries and within Kenya itself. The KSh5bn ($49m) Chemususu Dam Project has helped the lake recover and encouraged the birds to return.

Wildlife & Conversation

In early 2018 the wildlife remit was moved from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the newly established Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. This move recognises that conservation is central the country’s success as a tourist destination. The shift in wildlife management marks a return to the country’s historical norms, with natural features marketed along with other attractions. In support of this changing view of conservation as a measure to benefit tourism, public-private partnerships are being explored. With the cooperation of the Chinese firm Alibaba, Kenya will be using cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the internet of things to manage the 13,500-sq-km Tsavo East and West National Parks. The technologies will use data collected from sensors, drones and traps to analyse wildlife in the parks, as well as reduce poaching and other illegal activity.

County Plans

The KTB has called for county governments to contribute to a national calendar of events to help diversify away from safari and beach tourism. “Kenya cannot rely only on safaris and beach tourism,” Hashim Mohamed, principal and CEO of Kenya Utalli College in Nairobi, told OBG. “Tourist destinations are about experiences that are unique and authentic, and every country should develop niche products that are unique and marketable.” County officials have said they would like to take the lead in their marketing efforts, as they are better suited to publicising what their respective regions have to offer. Although tourism remains a largely centralised endeavour, they are campaigning to bring devolution to the sector.

Hotel Infrastructure

According to global consultancy PwC, Kenya’s hospitality sector is set to grow by 8% in 2018 and receive 2.06m visitors in 2022. The country plans to add 1800 rooms to the market by 2020 and 2600 rooms by 2022, bringing the total number to 21,700. This would represent a 14% rise from the 17,000 hotel rooms at the end of 2017. That year, hotels had an occupancy rate of 47.3%, down from 52.9% in 2016.

Some areas are still facing difficulties. As the number of visitors to the coastal regions has declined, hotels have also closed, and many establishments have been put up for sale. Meanwhile, some properties have seen an uptick as improved transport links have helped boost domestic tourism. Others choose to market themselves as meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition centres. Groups attending these events book in large numbers and well in advance, which helps boost bookings. Hotels in Watamu, Kilifi County, recorded 50% occupancy in early 2018, up from 30% in the same period a year prior. Some hotels reported occupancy rates as high as 90%, with most visitors coming from Europe.

The trend in the tourism sector is clearly positive. After a difficult period, the numbers are climbing towards new heights. However, connectivity is an area with potential for development. “There is room for improvement on issues of connectivity and the product,” Susan M Ongalo, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Federation, an association of private sector players, told OBG. “We have been doing the same thing for so long and getting the same results, hence it is time to place more effort on diversification.”

In an effort to achieve this diversification, the country is looking to offer a more contemporary experience, combining traditional attractions with new offerings. If players rely solely on conventional measures, they will face natural limits. However, Kenya has major-destination potential if it builds on its already solid foundations.

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KDC pursues investors in the Tourism Sector

In partnership with tourism sector players, the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has unveiled investment opportunities tailor-made to the tourism and wildlife sector players.

As Kenya’s single cross-sector Development Finance Institution, KDC is enabled with sufficient scale, scope, and resources to play a catalytic role in the tourism sector. The corporation has committed to providing development finance, infrastructure finance, business support, and advisory services to medium and large-scale industries in the prestigious but currently struggling tourism sector.

KDC is a Development Finance Institution established in 2020 to merge the operations of the Tourism Finance Corporation (TFC), Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC), and IDB Capital Limited.

Speaking during the inaugural Kenya Parks Investment Forum 2023 organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage, Kenya Wildlife Services, and Kenya Investment Authority, KDC Director Investments, Ms Judith Omachar, outlined the Corporation’s strategic packages that will facilitate the provision of financial solutions that cater to both emerging and established businesses, fostering development while preserving the nation’s natural heritage.

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“The financial products and services we offer will encompass a wide spectrum of business requirements, including the provision of Working Capital support where investors will have access to financial assistance to manage their day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth functioning and sustained growth.” “Additionally, Project Finance will ensure that the investors establish, expand, or modernize its ventures and will find tailored financial solutions to realize its aspirations, driving innovation and job creation. The Asset Finance offer will see our clients acquire machinery and equipment to enhance their operations. Lastly, the package will provide businesses with various Advisory Services, including feasibility studies, restructuring support, enterprise valuation services, and financial syndication guidance. These advisory offerings are designed to empower businesses with insights, strategies, and expert knowledge to make informed decisions that drive success” Ms Judith said.

“We also support technology transfer from India to Kenya by facilitating the purchase of plant machinery and equipment from India. With this line of business, we offer a minimum loan amount of US$50,000 of up to 100% C&F financing of the equipment value. We also 75% of the equipment must originate from India.” Ms Judith added

On her part, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage, Hon Peninah Malonza, outlined the importance of public and private sector partnerships as the engine towards ensuring prosperous social and economic development.

“To achieve our goals, the government is committed to diverse tourism development initiatives to stimulate investment, job growth, consumer spending, tax revenue, and GDP. We emphasize action through strategic partnerships, collaborating with the National Airline, counties, and the private sector to amplify our collective impact.” Hon. Malonza Noted.

“Kenya is a leading regional economic hub, and tourism is one of Kenya’s most important industries. It links strongly with transport, food production, retail, and entertainment. We know Kenya is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, attracting millions yearly to its wildlife, beaches, rich culture, striking geographical diversity, and landscapes. We hope that from this engagement, we hit the road and fully grow this tourism sector.” KWS Director General Dr Erustus Kanga.

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The Fund is the legal successor to Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustees. Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustees has been in existence since 1972 and operated under the umbrella of the Hotel and Restaurant Act, Cap 494, Laws of Kenya. The Act was repealed when the Tourism Act came into effect.

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A. State Department of EAC: This department will manage East African community affairs and the coordination and implementation of community programmes and projects.

B. State Department of Commerce This department will manage international trade, export promotion and the development of markets for Kenyan produce.

C. State department of Tourism Our unique product offering ranging from sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife such as the BIG FIVE, positions Kenya as a premier tourist destination. This department will be charged with the responsibility of developing our tourist industry with an additional focus on eco, cultural, sports and conference tourism.

Other Key Officers

Director of Economic Affairs Mr. Richard Sindiga

Director of Social Affairs Mrs. Agnes Fila

Director of Productive and Sector Services Mr. Alfred Kitolo

Director of Political Affairs Mr. David Njoka

Director of Tourism Mr. Kipkorir Lagat

Functions • Co ordination of Government of participation in East African Community Affairs • Co ordination of Regional Integration • Community Meetings and Institutions • Development and Promotion of Tourism • EA Community Meetings and Institutions • East African Community Affairs • Fair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection • Kenya South Sudan Support Integration • Policy on East African Community • Promotion of Retail and Wholesale Markets • Tourism Policy Management • Trade Development Policy Institutions • Bomas of Kenya • Catering, Training and Development Levy Trustees • East African Legislative Assembly • Export Promotion Council • Kenya Institute of Business Training • Kenya National Trading Corporation • Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels • Kenya Tourism Board • Kenya Tourism Development corporation • Kenya Tourist Board • Kenya Utalii College • Kenyatta International Conference Centre • Tourism Regulatory Authority • Tourism Research Institute • Tourism Trust Fund

State Department of Commerce & Tourism  Utalii House, Off Uhuru Highway,  P.O. Box 30027, Nairobi  Tel: 020-31301 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourism.go.ke

State Department of East African Community  16th Floor, Co-op Bank House,  Haile Selassie Avenue,  P.O.BOX 8846-00200  Nairobi, Kenya Mobile Phone: +254 729111108 / +254 733208888 Telkom Wireless: +254 020 2603599 / +254 020 2603733 Telephone: +254 20 2245741 / +254 20 2211614 Email: [email protected] Website: www.meac.go.ke

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Najib Balala

Hon Najib Balala is the current Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Balala studied Business Administration and International Urban Management and Leadership from the University of Toronto and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.

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Fatuma Hersi

International Civil Servant with broad experience in international and public relations, strategic communications and management and reputation management.

Direct experience with the United Nations in development and cooperation programmes.

Previously worked in the postal services, banking, media (electronic and print) and telecommunications (fixed and mobile telephony).

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Tourism Finance Corporation

Attachments, description.

Tourism Finance Corporation (TFC) is a corporate body established in 1965 through an Act of Parliament, Cap 382 of the Laws of Kenya. The Corporation is a specialized Development Financial Institution (DFI) with the mandate of facilitating and providing affordable development funding and advisory services for long-term investment in Kenya’s tourism industry.

In line with our mission to provide customer focused financial solutions that drive tourism sector development and socioeconomic growth we are among the leading Development Financial Institution (DFI) providing affordable and accessible financial facilities and advisory services to the Tourism Industry.

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We believe brand interaction is key in communication. Real innovations and a positive customer experience are the heart of successful communication. No fake products and services. The customer is king, their lives and needs are the inspiration.

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Board of directors, hon. dr. sakwa j. bunyasi - chairman.

Hon Dr. Bunyasi was appointed as the Chairman of the Corporation’s Board on 23 rd June 2023.

He brings with him a wealth of experience having worked with the World Bank in various capacities as Principal Economist & Portfolio Manager in South Asia.  He also worked with the African Development Bank as Principal Economist.  He holds a Doctorate in Economics and Public Policy from the George Washington University, USA, Master of Science (Agricultural Economics) from the University of Nairobi and BA (Economics) from the University of Nairobi.

He was a Member of Parliament for ten (10) years (2013 – 2022) representing Nambale Constituency, Busia County.

He has served on Boards of various companies and is the immediate former Chairman, Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board. 

Norah Ratemo - Director General

Director General Kenya Development Corporation (KDC)

Ms. Norah Buyaki Ratemo is the Director General and Board Member of Kenya Development Corporation (KDC). She was appointed on 4th July 2023.

Ms. Ratemo’s previous role at KDC was Director, Investments. She has over 15 years’ experience in Credit Risk Management having worked at Ecobank Kenya as a Credit Analyst, and before then, was engaged as Assistant Manager, Securities and Documentation with Sidian bank.

Her specialties are in Risk Management, Credit Assessment, Accounting and Finance. She is also well versed in Strategic Leadership, Project Management, Corporate Governance, Communication, Teamwork and Client relations. She currently serves on the Board of Kenya Wines Agencies as Member.

Ms. Ratemo holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration Finance option from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) Accounting option.

She is a Certified Public Accountant, CPA (K) and a Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) and the Institute of Certified Investment Financial Analysts (ICIFA).

Ms. Ratemo is into Philanthropy and has deep passion on issues on Climate Change, Green Energy and Sustainable Development.

Judith Chelangat Kerich - Board Director

Ms Kerich was appointed a director to KDC Board on 17th May 2021

She has a wide experience spanning over 25 years in Public and Private Sector. She is the Deputy Project Coordinator (Strategy and Policy Guidance) with World Bank, Kenya, providing strategic guidance, insights and perspectives at senior leadership level. Previously she has served as Director Corporate Service with National Transport & Safety Authority, Manager Human Resources Services, Kenya Airport Authority and Human Resources Officer at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

She also serves at executive board committees, oversight committees and senior leadership teams working in complex multi-stakeholder environment with accountability the public sector the Government of Kenya, private corporations, NGOs and communities.

Ms Kerich, holds Masters degree in Public Policy and Management from Strathmore Business School, a Masters of Business Administration Strategic Management both from Strathmore Business School and Bachelor of Commerce degree from Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

Faith Mwaura - Board Director

Faith Mwaura, Entrepreneur in Real Estate and Marketer

Ms Mwaura was appointed a Director to KDC Board on 16th June 2023.

Faith Mwaura is a Passionate International Award Winning Entrepreneur with a keen interest in Developing Superior Affordable Housing and Communities. She was awarded the Best Female Real Estate Developer by KNCCI Women in Business 2019, Best Woman in Business Excellence by the Women Economic Forum in Amsterdam 2018 among other achievements.

She is the Managing Director at IHL a position she has held for the past 10 years and has spearheaded its dynamic growth from a small agency to a medium sized company and expanded its clientele into the Diaspora market in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a bid to attract the Diaspora remittances into investments locally. She has over Fifteen Years Experience in Real Estate and is very deliberate to make a positive impact in everything she does and adding value. She loves nurturing the Environment and founded a Tree Planting initiative named Miti Millioni that has planted more than 100,000 trees across the Country.

Faith is a graduate student at Heriot Watt University Scotland in Master of Science Real Estate Management and Development and a Bachelor of Commerce with Majors in Marketing and Business Development and Management from Daystar University. She is a Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Fellow. A member of Marketing Society of Kenya, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a Committee member of Kenya Property Developers Association and a Board Member of Care for A Child’s Heart that fundraises for heart surgeries for needy children with congenital heart diseases. Faith is keen on making meaningful relationships, mentorship and charity work which she engages in when not spending time with her family. She carries out numerous charitable activities at her local community mostly reaching out to children in need and social work for women groups.

She is also interested in matters of National Interest and is the current Vice Treasurer at Centre for MultiParty Democracy (CMD) which is an organization that provides a platform of dialogue to build consensus on important National Development issues between Citizens, Civil Societies and Political Parties.

She is involved in other Businesses in the sectors of Agriculture, Health and Manufacturing which are all involved in the use of Information Technology to foster innovation and efficiency.

Sigee Koech - Board Director

Sigee Koech was appointed to the Board of KDC on 23 June 2023.

Sigee is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya of 11 years standing holding a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B Upper Class Hons) from Moi University and a Master of Laws (LL.M) (International Laws) from the University of Pittsburgh, USA.

She is a seasoned legal professional with over 14 years of experience in practice. She is a Partner in the law firm of Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews Advocates specializing in banking and finance and has been ranked by various international legal directories as one of Kenya’s leading lawyers in banking and finance law. Sigee also significant experience in real estate/conveyancing law where she advices real estate developers and in general corporate commercial law with a bias in business set-up in Kenya and advising on continuing corporate governance matters.

In addition to her legal practice, Sigee is passionate about education and ESG matters. She has served as a director of Kenya Hotel Properties Limited and is a member of the Law Society of Kenya.

Caroline Muigai - Board Director

Ms Muigai was appointed a director to the Board of KDC on 23 June 2023

Ms Muigai, holds Masters degree in Educational Leadership & Performance Management, Middlesex University, Trent Park, London and BSc in International Business Administration, USIU, Nairobi.

She has over 20 years’ experience in Insurance, real Estate & Education.  She serves as a Marketing Director at Muigai Commercial Agencies Ltd, a renowned real estate company in Kenya with Branches in Nairobi and Nakuru.  She manages Carol Academy & Junior Secondary School together with Rongai Teachers Training College.  She is in charge of all institutions operations and has perfected her skills in leadership, policy formulation, budget and staff administration among other skills.

Benjamin Muketha - Board Director

Mr. Muketha was appointed Director to the board of KDC on 30 th June 2023.

Muketha is a commercial banking executive with over 30 years’ experience. He has worked in leading commercial banks in Kenya and the Africa region. He brings wealth of knowledge and experience in leadership, business development, credit risk management and information technology. Muketha is credited with leading successful initiatives in business growth and operational transformation across several countries in Africa.

Muketha has served on the boards of Egerton University Council and Meru County microfinance Corporation. He is currently the Managing Director / CEO of a regional bank based in Kigali Rwanda.

Muketha holds Master’s degree in Business Administration from Strathmore University and Bachelor’s degree from University of Nairobi.  He is also accredited member of Centre for Corporate Governance in Kenya

Muketha is passionate about business growth and improving lives. He is currently leading projects in agriculture and education sectors.

Michael A. Kagika - Alternate Director to the CS, National Treasury and Planning

Mr. Kagika was appointed a Director to KDC Board on 1 st August 2022.

  He is a certified Trustee having accumulated over thirty (30) years of progressive experience in leadership and management in the Public Service. His tour of duty has seen him work as a District Commissioner (DC), Chief Executive Officer of the Rent Tribunal, Administrator in the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Social Secretary and Administrator at both State House and the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Constitutional Power of Mercy Advisory Committee.

Mr. Kagika is the Pensions Secretary / Director of Pensions and also serves as a Board Member in; The Kenyatta National Hospital, The Public Service Superannuation Scheme and the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST).

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration, Master in Public Administration degree and an array of Diplomas and certifications in Management from both local and foreign institutions including Kenya School of Government (Kabete), Entrepreneurial Development Institute of India (India), East and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) Tanzania, Civil Defence Academy (Singapore) and Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units (Italy).

In the year 2017, Mr. Kagika was honoured with the award of the Order of the Elder of Burning Spear (EBS) in recognition of his distinguished public service.

Abubakar Hassan Abubakar - PS, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry

Mr . Abubakar H a ssan Abubakar – Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry.

Mr. Abubakar was appointed a director to KDC Board on 18 th January 2023.

Abubakar Hassan is a holder of Masters in Financial Services Law (Project ongoing), Masters of Business Administration (Strategic Management) and Bachelor’s Degree in Law all from the University of Nairobi. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Public Secretary, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Investment & Financial Analysts and holds a Certification in the Management of Banking Risks. He is a member of the following professional bodies; Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK), and Institute of Certified, Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA).

From his background in law, finance and investment, he has wide experience in facilitating and mobilization of capital, allocation of the said capital into productive areas of the economy and protection of the investors’ interests.

Prior to appointment as Principal Secretary in December, 2022, he was the Director Market Operations at Capital Market Authority. He was in charge of market oversight and investors’ confidence.

Abubakar is committed to steer upwards investments (both Foreign and Domestic) into the Kenyan economy.

Grace Magunga - Company Secretary

Mrs. Grace Magunga is the Director Legal Services and Corporation Secretary.

She is the Legal advisor to the Corporation and has vast experience spanning over 25 years in Corporate & Commercial law, Property law, Employment law, Litigation & dispute Resolution and Governance. She has served as Company Secretary in various Board that include Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC), Almasi Beverages Limited – Group of Companys, Funguo Investments Limited (FIL), Kenya National Trading Company (KNTC) Limited, Freshpick Processors (EPZ) Limited, Mountain Lodges Limited and Focus Container Freight Station Ltd.

Mrs. Magunga holds a Master of Science degree, Human Resource Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nairobi. She has a Diploma in Legal Practice and is a Certified Public Secretary (CPS K).

Benjamin Muketha

Board director, caroline muigai, sigee koech, hon. dr. sakwa j. bunyasi, faith mwaura, abubakar hassan abubakar, ps, state department for investment promotion, ministry of investments, trade & industry, norah ratemo, director general, michael a. kagika, alternate director to the cs, national treasury and planning, grace magunga, company secretary, judith chelangat kerich.