East African Correspondent
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has pledged to invest US$200 million in Kenya through infrastructure development projects following a nearly three-hour dinner with President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi.
Chivayo met Ruto on Tuesday, September 8, for discussions centred on business, investment, infrastructure development and Africa’s economic potential.
The proposed investment, reported as KSh26 billion, is equivalent to approximately US$201 million.
Chivayo said the investment would be channelled into various infrastructure development projects, although he did not identify specific projects or sectors that would receive the funds.
He described the meeting with Ruto as an important step towards turning his long-standing plans to invest in Kenya into reality.
Chivayo said his investment vision, which had previously been at the stage of discussions and possibilities, was now “coming to fruition”. He also said the projects were expected to contribute to employment creation, infrastructure development and Kenya’s broader economic growth.
Chivayo also expressed strong admiration for Ruto, describing the Kenyan president as a mentor, elder brother and father figure.
“Our dinner and meeting which lasted almost THREE HOURS, was filled with meaningful conversations about business, investment, infrastructure development and the enormous economic potential that exists across our great African continent,” Chivayo wrote on his social media platforms.
“Every time I interact with President Ruto, I continue to admire his ENERGY, VISION, WORK ETHIC AND RELENTLESS DETERMINATION to transform Kenya. He is a leader who understands that Africa’s future must be built through investment, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
Added Chivayo: “His passion for the development of his country is evident whenever you sit down and engage him. For me personally, last night was particularly significant because my long-standing vision to invest a small US$200 MILLION IN KENYA through various INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS is finally coming to fruition.”
“What started as discussions, ideas and possibilities is steadily becoming reality. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to bringing meaningful private capital into projects that create employment, strengthen infrastructure and contribute positively to Kenya’s continued economic development.”
Chivayo’s political support for Ruto was equally explicit.
Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, he declared that the Kenyan president had his vote, despite being Zimbabwean.
“I may be Zimbabwean by birth, but spiritually tonight my voter’s card is already waiting in Nairobi,” Chivayo said.
Chivayo has previously described Kenya as an attractive investment destination and said he intended to expand his business footprint in the country.
His close relationship with Ruto has, however, attracted attention, with critics and opposition figures questioning his business interests and access to the Kenyan presidency, particularly in relation to major infrastructure and energy opportunities.
The State House meeting adds Kenya to Chivayo’s growing list of high-profile business and political engagements across the region.
