Murang’a unveils industrial incentives to lure investors

Murang’a County has announced an ambitious package of industrial incentives aimed at positioning the region as a top investment destination in Kenya. Speaking during the inaugural Murang’a Investment Conference, Governor Irungu Kang’ata revealed that the county has allocated 1,300 acres along the Kenol–Thika Highway for an expansive industrial park that will host both an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The prime location, close to Nairobi and major transport corridors, is expected to attract manufacturers, technology firms and agribusiness processors seeking affordable land and favourable operating conditions.
The EPZ, sitting on 500 acres, has been officially transferred to the national EPZ Authority, though the county retains leverage over 10 percent of the land following prior negotiations. Investors setting up operations in the EPZ will enjoy a 10-year corporate tax holiday, exemption from withholding tax for a decade, full investment deductions on new capital, and simplified licensing through the EPZA. The adjacent 800-acre SEZ is designed to host Murang’a Medcity, innovation hubs, light to heavy industries, commercial centres and market facilities. SEZ investors will benefit from reduced 10 percent corporate tax for their first decade, zero-rated taxes on the supply of goods, stamp duty waivers, and exemptions on withholding tax for royalties. Additionally, the county has earmarked another 29 acres in Kabati for a County Aggregation and Industrial Park targeting agro-processing and value addition for export-ready products.
Governor Kang’ata emphasized that industrialisation is central to Murang’a’s long-term economic strategy, noting that manufacturing growth will create thousands of job opportunities and support technology transfer to local youth. He urged agro-processing firms to take advantage of the county’s strong agricultural base, particularly its milk production and horticultural output. Plans are also underway to attract investors to upgrade the historic Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine into a major tourism site. Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who attended the event, echoed the call for stronger national support and regional unity in promoting industrial investments. With multiple incentives, available land and growing regional cooperation, Murang’a hopes to emerge as one of Kenya’s leading manufacturing hubs in the coming years.