Vipingo SEZ Takes Center Stage as Arise IIP Forum Unlocks Kenya’s Industrial Future

Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment as he presided over the Arise IIP–Kenya Investment Forum 2025, dubbed “Unlocking Kenya’s Industrial Future,” held in Kilifi County from September 15 to 16, 2025.

The event brought together Kilifi County Deputy Governor Florence M. Chilube, Arise IIP Group CFO George Oluko, Centum CEO Dr. James Mworia, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) CEO John Mwendwa, Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) CEO Dr. Kenneth Chelule and UNIDO Country Representative Tally Einav, alongside government officials, county leaders and private sector stakeholders.

Reflecting on progress since the Kilifi County International Investment Conference in December 2024, PS Abubakar said: “It is gratifying to note that following the international investment conference held at this location on 5th December 2024, we are again back to lay the foundation for the Vipingo SEZ.”

He thanked the leadership of Vipingo SEZ for investing in Kilifi and noted that government reforms and infrastructure improvements continue to position Kenya as Africa’s premier investment destination. He cited the expansion of Lamu Port, which has doubled ship arrivals in 2025 and recently hosted the MV Nagoya Express, the largest vessel ever to dock at an East African port, as evidence of Kenya’s growing role as a regional trade hub.

Kilifi Deputy Governor, Flora Mbetsa, described the SEZ as transformative for the county, announcing that 3,000 acres at Kayafungo have been earmarked for manufacturing, agro-processing and pharmaceuticals. “Kilifi is open for business. We welcome all investors to build with us, walk with us and prosper with us. Pamoja tujenge Kilifi,” she said.

Centum Group CEO and Vipingo SEZ Chairman, Dr. James Mworia, outlined key milestones at the 10,254-acre zone, including 600 middle-income housing units, a new LPG terminal, a three-million-litre per day seawater desalination plant, an on-site power substation and strong transport links via road, air and sea, facility and scholarships for 500 local youth. He added that while access to land remains a challenge, Vipingo has demonstrated how land can be harnessed for economic transformation.

The Arise IIP Investment Forum underscored Kenya’s determination to accelerate industrial growth through strategic partnerships, modern infrastructure and community-driven development reaffirming Kilifi’s growing role as a gateway for investment and Kenya’s broader ambition to transform Special Economic Zones into engines of inclusive economic transformation.