NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28 – The Government has declared the Olkaria area in Naivasha a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a move aimed at positioning the country as a regional hub for industrialisation and clean energy investment.
The Ministry of Trade and Investment says the move will leverage Kenya’s robust geothermal resources to foster sustainable economic growth.
The 8,292-acre zone will offer businesses tax exemptions, infrastructure support, and access to affordable geothermal power, creating a cost-effective environment for local and international investors interested in sustainable operations.
KenGen Managing Director Peter Njenga highlighted the importance of the SEZ in Kenya’s broader economic transformation agenda and transition to clean energy.
“This declaration cements Kenya’s commitment to industrialization, job creation, and sustainability. Olkaria’s abundant geothermal energy makes it an ideal location for industries seeking reliable, low-cost, and green power,” he said.
“This aligns with Kenya’s vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy-driven industrialization.”
The Olkaria SEZ will cater to industries in green manufacturing, agro-processing, electric mobility, data centers, and other sectors looking to incorporate clean energy into their operations.
He asserted that the location is strategically located along key transport corridors, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, a factor that will provide investors with seamless access to both local and global markets.
It will also host KenGen’s Green Energy Park, which aims to enhance industrial competitiveness by offering a conducive business environment with world-class infrastructure and reliable green energy.
KenGen has highlighted the Olkaria SEZ as an ideal platform for industries such as agro-processing, electric mobility production, textile and apparel manufacturing, and ICT firms.
The zone is designed to provide businesses with a direct connection to geothermal energy, which will help reduce operational costs and reinforce Kenya’s leadership in green industrialization.
The first phase of investor engagement has already begun, with several multinational companies expressing interest in setting up operations within the SEZ.
