Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a new industrial city spanning 1,400 acres. The project aims to drive economic revitalization and boost regional manufacturing by attracting both local and international investors. Located near Del Monte, the industrial development will offer land to manufacturers under 99-year lease terms to ensure long-term stability for businesses.
The proposed industrial city is expected to be larger than Nairobi, with the Nairobi Central Business District sitting on 350 acres. Kang'ata highlighted the scale of the project, stating that it will create a bigger city if realized. To attract investors, the county government is offering land at Ksh 7 million per acre, despite a true market value of Ksh 35 million per acre. This move is expected to encourage investors to set up businesses in the area.
So far, 60% of the available land is already booked, with several investors undertaking development works. In June, the county issued 44 allotment letters for 99-year leases. Early allocations include Absolute Healthcare Services, Top Pork, KenAgro Industries, Ashland Traders Limited, Pelican Metal, and Joska Enterprises, while Promotto and MEDS Health are currently in the onboarding process.
The total development is divided between an Export Processing Zone covering 500 acres and a Special Economic Zone covering 800 acres. The Export Processing Zone portion is managed by EPZA, though the county retains direct leverage over 10% of that area, equaling 50 acres. Within the Special Economic Zone, allocations include 276 acres for light, medium, and heavy industries.
The project focuses heavily on agro-industrial development and value addition for core county agricultural products, including avocado, tea, coffee, macadamia, and milk. Governor Kang'ata expressed confidence that local manufacturing remains essential for long-term prosperity. He emphasized the importance of creating more manufacturing jobs to make products more competitive in the global market.
Under the financial terms, the county will receive 10% corporate tax for the first 10 years after operations begin, 15% for the next 10 years, and 30% in subsequent years. The County Assembly of Murang'a is currently considering a bill to establish an autonomous authority to manage the industrial park and create other county-specific incentives.
The industrial park has already generated Ksh 120 million in revenue, providing additional funds for local infrastructure and county programs. Governor Kang'ata's vision for the industrial city is expected to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and residents in Murang'a County.
Key points
- Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata plans to establish a 1,400-acre industrial city near Del Monte to drive economic growth and attract investors.
- The industrial city will offer land to manufacturers under 99-year lease terms, with 60% of the available land already booked.
- The project focuses on agro-industrial development and value addition for core county agricultural products.
