Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui: No nation gets it perfect, but Kenya leads despite own gaps
By Kiprono Keileb, November 20, 2025Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, has urged the country to adopt a balanced view of its economy, stating that no nation in the world achieves perfection.
Speaking during a talk show aired by a local TV station on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, he used a calm, relatable tone to explain why investors look at the overall picture of a country rather than expecting every aspect to be flawless.
Kinyanjui reminded viewers that even global economic giants struggle with their own weaknesses.
He said that countries often shine in one area but fall short in another, and that this does not stop them from attracting investment or competing globally.
“There is no country that all the boxes are ticked; you find in one country, you may have a good cost of power, but there is no skilled labour or there is no political stability,” he stated
He went on to explain that investors weigh all these realities together before making decisions. He noted that while Kenya still faces challenges, its overall strength makes it a leading destination in the region.
He added that investors look at a country’s full picture, not just isolated issues.
“You have to make an aggregate decision, and within that aggregate decision, Kenya still remains the best ranked in our region,” he said
Kinyanjui also highlighted Kenya’s performance compared to its neighbours, pointing to economic indicators and export strength. He said the country’s growth continues to place it ahead of regional competitors.
“From a GDP perspective, Kenya is ahead of Ethiopia,” the statement read.
He closed his remarks by celebrating the success of Kenya’s fresh produce sector, which continues to anchor exports and bring in revenue.
“The airport with the highest outbound cargo in the whole of Africa is JKIA because of our horticulture, flowers and vegetables; we are doing very well in that space,” he stated