Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has stated that Kenya possesses significant untapped investment potential, suggesting that areas such as Tana River and Wajir could be transformed into modern hubs similar to Dubai. Atwoli made these remarks during a public address, emphasizing the need for strategic development in these regions.
Atwoli highlighted that Tana River and Wajir counties, located in eastern and northeastern Kenya respectively, have resources and geographic advantages that could attract investment. He called for government and private sector collaboration to unlock this potential, though specific plans or timelines were not provided.
As of July 2026, no official development projects have been announced for these areas based on Atwoli's proposal. The statement has sparked debate among economists and local leaders about the feasibility of such a transformation, given the current infrastructure and security challenges in the regions.
