A new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) aimed at accelerating the growth and integration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into Kenya’s industrial and export economy has officially opened its doors. The Kifaru Exim Special Economic Zone, located within Tatu City in Kiambu County, was launched with the goal of providing high-quality warehouse facilities to support import- and export-oriented industries. The development offers Grade A warehouse space totaling 10,165 square meters, with individual units of up to 1,229 square meters available for long-term lease at USD 4.5 per square meter per month.
Speaking at the launch, Kifaru Exim SEZ Director Kalpesh Shah outlined the project’s ambition to act as a catalyst for SME-driven industrialization in Kenya.
“Our vision is to integrate eligible SMEs into the SEZ ecosystem so they can benefit from the fiscal and administrative incentives that these zones offer,” Shah said. “This initiative is designed to enhance the local production of goods and services for both domestic and international markets, helping SMEs become more competitive in terms of price, quality, and reliability.”
Principal Secretary of the State Department for Investments, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, lauded the initiative as a strategic move toward economic transformation.
“We anticipate this project will drive wealth creation, reduce imports, increase exports, curb counterfeits, and improve SME revenues and profitability,” said Abubakar. “At full occupancy, we expect the SEZ to create approximately 600 direct jobs and more than 1,800 indirect jobs.”
Also present at the launch was a representative of Dr. Keneth Chelule, CEO of the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), who emphasized the agency’s commitment to streamlining regulation and infrastructure to enhance manufacturing sector competitiveness. His sentiments were echoed by Tobias Alando, CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), who reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting policy and trade frameworks that benefit local producers.
To support the onboarding of SMEs into the SEZ, Kifaru Exim has partnered with the SME Support Centre (SSC), a regional provider of business development services for small enterprises. SSC CEO Linda Onyango, also in attendance, hailed the project as a key step in integrating SMEs into the structured SEZ environment.
“This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about creating access, visibility, and opportunity for SMEs to scale,” Onyango said.
With its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and collaborative approach to SME development, the Kifaru Exim SEZ is positioned to become a model for inclusive industrial growth in Kenya.
