Kenya
Development
Corporation MD,
Norah Ratemo
at a past press
briefing /FILE
Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitate sustainable investments that drive inclusive development in the country.
As Kenya’s premier development finance institution, KDC is uniquely positioned to support this transformation through its tailored financial solutions and catalytic funding instruments, according to director general Norah Ratemo.
KDC played a central role at the recent Laikipia Economic and Investment Conference held at the Nyahururu Country Club.
Convened under the theme “Unlocking Laikipia’s Economic Potential: Investment for Inclusive Growth,” the forum attracted over 300 stakeholders including policymakers, private sector leaders, development agencies and investors keen to engage on pathways for catalysing regional economic transformation.
During the forum, Ratemo emphasised that unlocking Laikipia’s full economic potential requires a bold and strategic approach anchored on long-term financing, strong public-private partnerships and investment in key productive sectors.
KDC outlined a portfolio of high-impact investment opportunities aligned to Laikipia’s growth priorities and market potential.
These include development of post-harvest infrastructure such as cold storage and food processing units, expansion of the livestock value chain through feedlots and meat processing enterprises, investments in eco-tourism and affordable accommodation, green economy initiatives such as solar energy and waste-tovalue solutions, production of green fertiliser and upgrading of health facilities to meet growing demand.
These areas leverage Laikipia’s comparative advantages while addressing pressing development needs.
“To support the realization of these opportunities, KDC offers a robust suite of financial solutions including project finance for industrial and infrastructure ventures, working capital loans to improve operational efficiency and asset finance for acquisition of essential equipment and machinery,” said Ratemo.
The Corporation also extends equity and redeemable preference capital to boost business capitalisation, alongside a range of business advisory services covering feasibility studies, project preparation, capacity building and fundraising support.
Among these offerings is the EXIM Bank of India Line of Credit; a $15 million (Sh1.9 billion) facility that enables businesses to import high-quality machinery and technology, enhancing productivity and competitiveness particularly in manufacturing and agro-processing.
KDC also has specialised funding lines for counties and private sector actors to unlock capital and stimulate enterprise growth.
These include the De-risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies (DRIVE) project, a $40 million (Sh5.2 billion) facility aimed at strengthening resilience in pastoralist communities and de-risking investments in the livestock value chain.
