Driving Economic Growth: Exploring Special Economic Zones and Industrial Development in Kajiado, Kenya

The Permanent Secretary (PS) recently embarked on a tour of two prominent factories in Kenya, namely the KEDA Ceramic Factory located in Kajiado and the Sunda Baby Diapers Factory in Athi River. These factories collectively employ over 2,000 individuals and have showcased remarkable technology transfer benefits and extensive utilization of backward linkages within the local community.

During the visit, the PS had a fruitful meeting with the Governor of Kajiado County, His Excellency Joseph Ole Lenku, to discuss the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kajiado. This collaboration between the county government and the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) aims to complement the existing County Aggregation Industrial Park and attract further inward investment.

Accompanied by the Chairman and CEO of SEZA, the PS witnessed a surge of investor interest in Kajiado County, highlighting its strategic location in close proximity to Nairobi city, the availability of land, and major infrastructure. These factors present an excellent opportunity for the creation of an economic zone that can support various value chains, serving as a complement to the existing livestock value chain.

The tour and discussions underscore the commitment of the Kenyan government and local authorities to promote industrial growth, attract investments, and foster economic development. The collaboration between Kajiado County and SEZA demonstrates a concerted effort to harness the potential of the region and create an environment conducive to business expansion and job creation.