Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised to introduce tax incentives for investors who demonstrate the ability to create jobs if elected President, saying the policy would help attract more investment and encourage businesses to expand their operations in Kenya.

Gachagua said his proposed government would develop a policy linking tax incentives to job creation, with investors expected to demonstrate their capacity to employ Kenyans.

“My government will come up with a policy of giving tax incentives to investors, especially those who will demonstrate capacity to create jobs,” Gachagua said while addressing Kenyans in Dallas, Texas.

He said he would also introduce tax holidays and other incentives for investors who meet specific job creation thresholds.

Gachagua gave the example of an information and communications technology company employing at least 100 Kenyans, saying such a business could be allowed to operate without paying taxes for its first five years.

“If you start an industry on ICT for the first five years and you employ a minimum of 100 Kenyans, we'll waive taxes for you for those years,” he said.

He also proposed recognising smaller investors, saying businesses that create more than 10 jobs should receive attention from the government.

“I'll want a situation where anybody who creates more than 10 jobs should be known to me personally as President,” he said.

Gachagua said the proposed incentives would form part of a broader effort to encourage local and foreign investment while reducing barriers to starting and operating businesses in Kenya.

He also pledged to tackle corruption and reduce bureaucracy, officialdom and red tape, saying the government should make it easier for businesses to operate.

“We must eradicate corruption totally. We must do away with bureaucracy, officialdom and red tape. And everybody must be business friendly,” he said.

Gachagua further proposed reducing the number of permits required to operate businesses, saying his administration would seek to establish a single electronic permit system through which investors could access the necessary approvals.

“We must have only one single permit,” Gachagua said, adding that investors should not have to move from one government office to another to obtain licences.

He said the proposed approach would make government an enabler of business rather than an obstacle to investment.

Gachagua's proposals form part of his economic pitch ahead of the 2027 General Election, with job creation, investment and business reforms among the priorities he has outlined for his proposed administration.

He is in the US on an extended tour to engage Kenyans in the diaspora, consult on his political plans and build support and networks ahead of the 2027 General Election, while also spending time with his family.