Infrastructure

New Vipingo SEZ to Drive Sh390bn in Investor Projects

The project is expected to generate more than 35,000 direct jobs.

Updated on

September 25, 2025

Vipingo SEZ in Kilifi — President Ruto launches the Vipingo SEZ on Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy)

The Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County has officially opened, signalling a major push in Kenya’s industrial growth. The 2,000-acre hub, located 42 km from Mombasa, is expected to attract Sh390 billion in investment and provide thousands of jobs.

Developed by Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) in partnership with Centum Investments, the SEZ offers strategic access to regional shipping routes and international trade networks. It aims to transform the Coast region into a manufacturing and industrial hub while contributing to Kenya’s wider industrialisation agenda.

“This grand project will also generate more than 35,000 direct jobs and spark thousands more economic opportunities across industries,” President William Ruto said during the launch.

“We are investing in Special Economic Zones as engines of growth to fast-track industrialisation, attract global investors and create wealth for our people.”

Vipingo SEZ will host a variety of sectors, including textiles and apparel, e-mobility, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), with investment packages for these industries set to be unveiled next week.

The goal is to build end-to-end value chain ecosystems that strengthen exports, raise incomes, and create employment opportunities across counties.

Kenya’s advantages as an investment destination were highlighted during the launch, including its 38 SEZs, 111 export processing zones, reliable green energy supply, youthful workforce, and abundant natural resources.

“With 38 SEZs, 111 EPZs, abundant green energy, a dynamic young workforce, and rich natural resources for value addition — Kenya stands as the gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion-strong AfCFTA market,” Ruto noted.

At the forum, Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry signed an agreement with China’s Linglong Group to build a modern auto spare parts industrial park.

Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah praised the move, saying special economic zones are “key to unlocking Kenya’s industrial potential.”

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro joined investors and policymakers in supporting the project. They stressed that such industrial investments can turn Kenya into a major investment hub in Africa.