The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for greater efforts to attract both direct and indirect investments, saying Kenya has untapped potential that could transform local economies and create employment opportunities.
Speaking during an investment forum, Atwoli highlighted the tourism and hospitality potential of the Lake Victoria region, urging the government and investors to explore opportunities that would boost economic growth.
"We need to check how we attract both direct and indirect investments in this country. We have the facilities," Atwoli said.
He proposed the introduction of luxury cruise ships on Lake Victoria, arguing that the initiative could significantly increase tourism revenues and stimulate business activities in Kisumu and the surrounding region.
"If you have two cruise ships cruising on Lake Victoria, including a five-star cruise ship, and you can have an agreement between this government and the Swedish government, which is very good at providing those cruise ships, you will be banking half a billion shillings daily in Kisumu," Atwoli said.
He said many areas surrounding Lake Victoria remain underdeveloped despite their tourism potential, citing the lack of high-end hotels and hospitality facilities.
"Along Lake Victoria, people are just staying there with small farms, yet we have no five-star hotels in those particular places," the Cotu leader said.
He urged investors to channel resources into the hospitality and manufacturing sectors, saying such investments would create jobs, stimulate exports and strengthen Kenya's economy.
"Let us attract people who can invest in the hotel industry, in hospitality, expand our businesses and attract both direct and indirect investments, particularly in manufacturing for the purposes of export," Atwoli said.
He expressed support for proposals aimed at enhancing Kenya's investment climate and encouraged closer collaboration between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and international business organisations.
"This country is a good country, and our President is committed. We need to support him because he is focused on making sure this country forges ahead," Atwoli said.
He urged the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen partnerships with similar organisations abroad and actively market Kenya as an investment destination.
"Join other chambers of commerce, see what they are doing, and invite those who would like to invest in this country to come and invest in Kenya," he said.
Atwoli maintained that increased investment in tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure would unlock Kenya's economic potential, create jobs for young people and position the country as a competitive investment destination in the region.
