Kenya has renewed its push to position itself as a leading mining investment destination in the region following the conclusion of the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Expo (MICE) 2026 in Nairobi.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said the two-day conference had strengthened investor confidence, deepened regional partnerships and highlighted the country’s vast mineral potential.
According to Joho, discussions during the summit focused on unlocking investment opportunities, promoting sustainable mining practices and advancing value addition and mineral beneficiation across the sector.
He noted that the engagements brought together policymakers, investors and industry players from across Africa, creating momentum towards transforming mining into a key economic pillar for Kenya and the wider East and Central Africa region.
“The interactions we have had mark a significant step in our collective journey to position Kenya’s mining sector as a reliable and dynamic economic frontier,” Joho said at the close of the conference.
The CS also underscored the need for regional cooperation, saying East and Central African countries must work together more closely to maximise the benefits of their mineral resources.
He said the growing interest generated during the conference demonstrates that the region is ready to think bigger and pursue more ambitious mining strategies through collaboration, innovation and responsible resource management.
Joho praised President William Ruto for what he described as visionary leadership in supporting reforms and investment in the mining sector.
The conference also attracted participation from regional ministers and industry leaders including Nigeria’s Mining Minister Dele Alake, Tanzania’s Mining Minister Anthony Mavunde and Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed.
Industry stakeholders used the forum to discuss policy frameworks, investment incentives, technology adoption and strategies for increasing local value addition in mineral extraction.
Kenya has in recent years intensified efforts to attract mining investment through regulatory reforms, geological surveys and exploration programmes aimed at unlocking untapped mineral wealth.