NAIROBI, Kenya, July 15 – Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, on Monday toured Tatu City, a 5,000-acre mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Nairobi, as the government seeks to strengthen the SEZ framework to attract more local and international investment.
The visit included a tour of key developments within the zone, including Tatu Industrial Park and Tatu Central, the city’s commercial and residential district. CS Kinyanjui also visited Kijani Ridge, a fully serviced residential estate within the zone.
Speaking during the tour, the CS said Kenya’s SEZ policy remains central to its investment strategy, citing the need for reforms that would make the country more competitive as a regional investment hub.
“With shifting global economic dynamics, Kenya is well-positioned to attract international companies. Zones like Tatu City offer a structured environment that supports business operations from the outset,” said Kinyanjui.
“While the current incentives are competitive, we are reviewing additional reforms to make SEZs more responsive to investor needs.”
Tatu City is home to more than 100 companies, including logistics firms, manufacturers, real estate developers, and educational institutions. According to its developer, Rendeavour, the city welcomes approximately 25,000 people daily who live, work, or study within the development.
Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, said continued engagement with government stakeholders is important for improving the investment environment.
“For Kenya to remain attractive to global investors, collaboration between the private sector and policymakers is key to shaping long-term economic strategies,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined by senior officials including Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Kenya Investment Authority CEO John Mwendwa, and executives from the Special Economic Zones Authority.
Companies operating within the Tatu SEZ benefit from tax incentives, including a reduced corporate tax rate of 10 percent for the first 10 years and 15 percent for the following decade, as well as VAT zero-rating and exemptions on import and stamp duties.
