The government is keen to set up sustainable Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in the counties to fast-track economic growth and trigger industrialization.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says the government is keen to position export processing zones as a core element of the country’s industrialization strategy.
CS Mvurya says EPZs and the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) are set to make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development besides supporting economic diversification.
The CAIP project is capable of attracting public and private sector interest and driving a market oriented agricultural transformation that will boost agro-processing capacity in the counties.
Mvurya says the CAIP project aims to increase manufacturing and investments through agro-industries and improve living standards in the 47 counties.
The minister urged the devolved governments to embrace EPZ and CAIP schemes in the counties as it is a sure route to attracting domestic and foreign investment and infrastructure financing.
“We want the county leadership to see EPZs, special economic zones and CAIPs as the easiest pathway to economic growth across the country,” he said.
Mvurya says export processing zones, special economic zones and free trade zones are increasingly being used across the globe to fast-track economic growth and development.
He says the government is in the process of leasing 200-acres of land for the establishment of Samburu EPZ in Samburu sub County of Kwale County.
Mvurya says the landmark investment, valued at Sh 3 billion is expected to attract over 100 companies, which will operate within the special economic zone.
The Investments, Trade and Industry CS says upon operationalization, the project will create 150,000 direct employment opportunities, aligning with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA) that seeks to uplift livelihoods, particularly those in rural areas.
Located in Samburu Township along the busy Nairobi – Mombasa highway, the industrial park is expected to majorly boost export and import trade in the region.
Mvurya was speaking in the company of Principal Secretary (PS) for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan, EPZ CEO Richard Omelu and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani.
“The Samburu EPZ project is poised to become a key driver of industrial growth in the coastal region, fostering economic empowerment and contributing to the country’s export competitiveness and spur industrialization process,” said Mvurya.
He added “This EPZ flagship is poised to become a pivotal hub for manufacturing and export activities thereby contributing to the Kwale’s economic transformation and bolstering Kenya’s position in the global trade arena.”
The CS who received a delegation from Hongda International East Africa presented the company’s proposal to him and Governor Fatuma Achani that will see the development of a comprehensive industrial park at Samburu EPZ in Kwale County.
“The Samburu EPZ is well positioned for export to the rest of Africa and indeed the world since it is strategically located near the port city of Mombasa,” he said.
Mvurya says his Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to contributing to the economic growth and industrialization of the country by providing incentives and creating an enabling environment for export manufacturing and other commercial activities.
Richard Omelu says the Hong Kong based delegation has lined up a pipeline of investors in different sectors who will occupy the industrial park once it’s ready, integrating production and processing, warehousing as well distribution.
“The new projected cost of development is Sh.3 billion and will offer direct employment opportunities to over 150,000 Kenyans especially women and youth,” he said.
The EPZ CEO says his leadership would devote more energy towards repositioning the free trade zones for greater economic performance and attracting the much-needed foreign direct investment inflows.
Governor Achani welcomed the new EZP project and announced that the county government will support the necessary infrastructure for the site to thrive such as construction of roads, sewerage treatment and reliable power generation to lower production costs.
“This is by far the biggest project that is happening in our county and without doubt will help spur Kwale’s industrialization process,” she said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
