Kenya’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment continues to draw major investors, leading to increased economic opportunities and job creation, according to Kenya Investments Authority (KenInvest) CEO John Mwendwa.
Speaking at the launch of the Link Warehousing and Logistics Park within Tatu City in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Mwendwa emphasized that the influx of multi-billion investments in the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) is a clear indicator of investor confidence.
“The notion that some companies are relocating due to a difficult business environment has not had a serious impact on the economy. Many more investors are setting up multi-billion investments in the country. The government remains committed to reducing the cost of doing business and providing a favorable environment to attract even more investors,” Mwendwa stated.
Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) Chief Executive Dr. Kenneth Chelule echoed Mwendwa’s sentiments, highlighting the immense potential in Kenya’s medium and small enterprises sector. Chelule revealed that over the past three years, more than 40 special economic zones have been established, creating space for over 90 fully licensed and operational business enterprises.
The new logistics park in Tatu City, Chelule noted, is set to host over 10 companies, pushing the total number of investments in the zone to over 100. He also pointed to upcoming investments in Dongu Kondu, Mombasa, and Naivasha, where lease deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be signed in the next 60 days.
“This shows there is still significant room for local businesses to invest in SEZs, and we expect more growth and opportunities in the coming years,” Chelule said.
Preston Mendenhall, Chief Operating Officer at Rendezvous, the company managing Tatu City, praised the industrial park’s rapid growth. He confirmed that the number of companies based in the park had reached 100 and continues to grow.
“In the past five years, Tatu City has created over 25,000 jobs, ranging from highly skilled positions to roles in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. This diverse industrial base includes sectors such as electronics, beverage production, baked goods, and assembly,” Mendenhall noted.
The continued expansion of Kenya’s SEZs and EPZs, alongside the government’s efforts to lower the cost of doing business, is paving the way for sustained economic growth and employment creation, positioning the country as a key investment destination in the region.
