County Unveils New Industrial Innovation Zone to Attract Manufacturers

In November 2025, Nairobi County officially unveiled a New Industrial Innovation Zone designed to attract manufacturers and strengthen the city’s role as East Africa’s industrial hub. The project was introduced under the Annual Development Plan 2025/2026, aligning with Kenya’s broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). County officials emphasized that the zone will provide modern infrastructure, streamlined licensing, and incentives to encourage both local and international manufacturers to set up operations.
The Industrial Innovation Zone will feature state-of-the-art facilities, renewable energy integration, and digital manufacturing platforms. Nairobi County partnered with global investors, technology firms, and development agencies to ensure that manufacturers can access affordable land, financing, and logistics support. The zone also embeds sustainability measures, including green building standards, waste recycling systems, and energy-efficient production processes, making it one of the most advanced industrial parks in the region.
Entrepreneurs and industry leaders welcomed the initiative, noting that it will help overcome challenges such as high operational costs, limited access to modern infrastructure, and fragmented supply chains. Analysts argue that the zone is transformative for Nairobi’s economy, embedding innovation into manufacturing while complementing earlier initiatives such as the Green Business Funding Program (October 2025) and the Trade and Export Programs (November 2025). Together, these efforts create a comprehensive framework for industrial growth and global competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the Industrial Innovation Zone by integrating AI-powered manufacturing systems, blockchain-based trade certification, and smart logistics platforms. Officials believe that by embedding advanced technologies into industrial development, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract foreign investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s leading center for innovation and manufacturing.