This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
On July 28, 2019, the Kenyan government took a significant step towards boosting manufacturing by designating 9,000 acres of land in Naivasha, Mombasa, and Machakos as special economic zones.
The designation was made by Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, who gazetted the zones, giving them special tax and infrastructure benefits that facilitate activities such as storage, export, and re-export.
One of the designated zones is located in Mai-Mahiu area within Nakuru County, covering 1,000 acres of land. Another zone is situated in Malili Ranch, hosting Konza City on Mombasa Road in Machakos County, covering 5,000 acres. The third zone is located in Dongo Kundu area in Mombasa County, covering 3,000 acres.
According to the Industrialisation ministry, local and foreign investors have been seeking licences to set up 100 Special Economic Zones across the country. The ministry has prioritised applications that aim to use locally produced raw materials to process products for export.
Kenya's decision to establish special economic zones is in line with global trends, with over 120 countries having similar zones that have contributed to over 50 million direct jobs, according to studies.
