ICDC is a government parastatal, whose primary objective is to facilitate the investment by Kenyans in the economy of the country, while simultaneously providing financing to Kenyan businesses and manufacturers, thus growing the local economy.

[1] As of June 2010[update], the company's total assets were valued at approximately KSh.11.9 billion/= (US$138 million).

[2] The company began its operations in 1954 as a 100% wholly owned entity of the Government of Kenya.

Following gradual, progressive divestments by the Kenyan government, ICDC shareholding in Centum was down to just under 23%, as of March 2013.

[3] ICDC is organized into three main operational divisions namely: The following are some of the companies where ICDC has invested:[4] Francis Kimemia, one of the non-Executive Directors, serves as the Chairman of the ten-person Board of Directors.