Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata has revealed his ambitious development plan to create a city bigger than Kenya's capital, Nairobi. The governor outlined his vision during the Murang'a Governor's Investment Dinner on Friday, September 25, 2026, where he sought to attract foreign investors to set up shop in Murang'a and boost industrial activity. Kang'ata's plan involves leasing land to manufacturers to revitalize economic structures in the county.
The proposed Murang'a industrial city will be over three times bigger than Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). According to Governor Kang'ata, the industrial city near Del Monte will offer one acre of land at Ksh.7 million, with a true value of about Ksh.35 million per acre. He noted that 60% of the land has already been booked, with investors being offered a 99-year lease of planned land to allow for longevity. This move aims to provide a secure and planned environment for investors.
The county has already raised Ksh.120 million from activities at the Murang'a Industrial Park, providing additional revenue for county programs and infrastructure development. Governor Kang'ata emphasized that manufacturing companies will boost the city's economy and trigger astronomical growth. He believes that manufacturing is crucial for a country's economic growth, citing that no country has become rich without a strong manufacturing sector.
In June, the County issued 44 allotment letters for 99-year leases to various investors, including Absolute Healthcare Services, Top Pork, KenAgro Industries, and Ashland Traders Limited. Several investors have already undertaken development works, while others like Promotto and MEDS Health are in the process of onboarding. The Murang'a investment project was kick-started in 2025 to develop a smart city, with the first investment forum mainly attracting local investors.
This year, Governor Kang'ata focused on investment opportunities in agro-industrial parks and value addition in agricultural products largely produced in the county, such as avocado, tea, coffee, macadamia, and milk. According to County records, 500 acres have been allocated to the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), while the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been allocated 800 acres. The EPZ portion is managed by EPZA, but the county has leverage over 10% of the land (50 acres) as per negotiations undertaken before the transfer of the land.
The SEZ will comprise various zones, including the Murang'a MediCity (75 acres), Light, Medium and Heavy Industries (276 acres), Technology and Innovation Hub (23 acres), Commercial Hub (43 acres), Stadium (10 acres), and Recreational Area (57 acres). Other allocations include Market (2.6 acres), Bus Station (3 acres), Schools (16 acres), Housing (12 acres), Affordable Housing (22 acres), and Infrastructure - Roads, Sewer, Water, Internet, Power (134 acres). The remaining acreage will be dedicated to National and County Government Institutions.
The County will receive 10% corporate tax for the first 10 years after the start of operation, 15% for the next 10 years, and 30% for the 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 Murang'a County-specific incentives. This move aims to enhance the county's investment climate and attract more investors to the area.
Key points
- Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata plans to build a city larger than Nairobi, with an industrial city spanning 1400 acres.
- The county has raised Ksh.120 million from activities at the Murang'a Industrial Park.
- Investors will be given a 99-year lease of planned land to allow for longevity.
