Kenya is acceleratin industrialisation agenda by investing heavily in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as engines of growth to attract international investors, expand manufacturing and create wealth for its people.

This is after the official ground-breaking of the Vipingo Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County, a landmark 2,000-acre integrated industrial park designed to attract billions in investment, create thousands of jobs and position the country as Africa’s industrial powerhouse.

The project, which is developed by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) in partnership with Centum Investment Company, is expected to mobilise over Ksh500 billion to support global and local investors seeking to set up within the zone.

With 38 SEZs, 111 Export Processing Zones (EPZs), abundant green energy, a dynamic youthful workforce and vast natural resources for value addition, Kenya is cementing its position as the gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion-strong African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market.

In Kilifi County, the government has unveiled the Vipingo Special Economic Zone, a 2,000-acre project expected to attract more than Ksh390 billion in investments.

The project is set to generate over 35,000 direct jobs and spark thousands more opportunities across supporting industries, hence boosting inclusive economic growth in the coastal region and beyond.

The government says SEZs like Vipingo will fast-track Kenya’s path to becoming a globally competitive industrial hub, unlocking the nation’s full economic potential.

Speaking at the ceremony, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui thanked investors for their confidence in Kenya and Africa in general, stressing the urgency of creating economic opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.

“Something must be done for us to respond to the migration of our young people in search of jobs. It is time for us to work with other industrial players to unlock solutions,” he said.

Kinyanjui underscored that the ground-breaking marks a turning point in Kenya’s industrialisation journey as SEZs continue to unlock the nation’s full economic potential.

President of Afrexim Bank Benedict Oramah hailed Kenya’s leadership for prioritising industrialisation.

“Committed leadership can achieve a lot. Over 30,000 young people will soon be working at this site, transforming livelihoods and creating sustainable opportunities,” Prof Oramah said.

ARISE IIP and Centum expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for making the project possible, noting that the integrated park will anchor long-term economic transformation by attracting industries across manufacturing, logistics and value addition.

The Vipingo SEZ is projected to generate more than 30,000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities across supporting sectors, while driving exports and regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Chari Suche