Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday, October 1, 2026, defended Kenya’s investment climate, saying opposition criticism would not discourage investors from doing business in the country.
Murkomen said the decision by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to establish an oil refinery in Kenya was evidence of confidence in the country’s economy and security environment.
Speaking in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, during the opening of the Assistant County Commissioner’s office in Chepchoina, the CS dismissed claims that insecurity could scare away investors, arguing that such concerns were misplaced.
“I saw a failed Deputy President speaking from Texas, trying to tell investors to keep away from Kenya because of alleged insecurity. Insecurity is only in his mind,” Murkomen said.
The CS did not name the former Deputy President, but his remarks came after criticism from opposition figures who have raised concerns about governance, economic conditions and the investment environment.
Murkomen maintained that Kenya remained open for business, citing the planned refinery investment as a demonstration of continued investor interest.He said the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy had helped restore confidence among local and international investors.
“The President has taken investor confidence very high; that’s why they are now investing in Kenya,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS said the government would continue pursuing development projects despite political criticism, adding that opposition attempts to discourage investors would not succeed.
According to Murkomen, major investments such as the refinery project reflected confidence in Kenya’s economic potential and the policies being implemented by President William Ruto’s administration.
“Opposition won’t succeed in discouraging Kenya’s development,” Murkomen said, while defending the government’s record on attracting investment.
His remarks come amid renewed political debate over Kenya’s economic direction, with government leaders highlighting infrastructure and investment projects as indicators of growth, while opposition leaders have continued to question aspects of the country’s economic management.
The Endebess event was attended by local leaders and government officials as Murkomen officially opened the Assistant County Commissioner’s office in Chepchoina, which is expected to strengthen administration and coordination of government services in the area.
