Kenya has unveiled the Kifaru Exim Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Tatu City, about 20 kilometres north of Nairobi. The new industrial hub is tailored to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enhance the country’s export competitiveness, and create employment.
According to the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), the 10,165 square metre Grade A warehousing facility will accommodate SMEs and is projected to generate more than 600 direct and 1,800 indirect jobs. SEZA’s Acting Director General, Victor Mageto, assured entrepreneurs of the agency’s commitment to unlocking SME manufacturing capacity, promoting exports, and spurring wealth creation.
Kifaru Exim SEZ
The launch was welcomed by the State Department of Investment Promotion, which described the SEZ as a milestone for industrial growth. In a statement shared on X, the department noted that the hub provides SMEs with world-class facilities, streamlined logistics, and fiscal incentives to expand into export markets.
The event was presided over by Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry. He reaffirmed government support for private sector participation and emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s SEZ framework, making it more attractive and competitive for investors.
Industry stakeholders also highlighted the facility’s importance. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which represents value-adding industries, underscored that the SEZ includes nine modern warehouses specifically designed for SMEs. KAM Chief Executive, Tobias Alando, said the project provides reliable utilities, efficient logistics within Tatu City, simplified processes, and stronger linkages between SMEs and larger firms. He noted that empowering small businesses in this way would accelerate job creation, expand Kenya’s tax base, and position the country as a leading industrial hub in the region.
The Director of Kifaru SEZ explained that the project was conceived to unlock the potential of local SMEs by enabling them to access fiscal incentives and increase their participation in export markets. Abubakar further disclosed that the development represents a Kshs 500 million domestic investment in SME-focused industrial spaces at Tatu City, with the aim of generating at least 500 jobs. The initiative has been advanced through a partnership between Kifaru and the SME Support Centre, reflecting a joint commitment to expanding employment opportunities, strengthening the industrial base, and boosting Kenya’s export capacity.