County Expands Nairobi Industrial Zones With Utility Upgrades

The administration of Nairobi City County has announced significant expansion and upgrading of industrial zones across the capital, aiming to modernize infrastructure and boost manufacturing potential. Under the county’s plan to support high-value manufacturing, the project focuses on upgrading utilities — including roads, water supply, sewer connections and general urban infrastructure — in key industrial parks city-wide.
The push for industrial zone upgrades comes as part of the county’s broader strategy to transform Nairobi into a manufacturing and value-addition hub. A key milestone came with the finalization of the preliminary layout for the county’s first metal and wood industry unit under the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIP) scheme, earmarked to be established in the Mathare area.Officials say the upgraded zones will offer plug-and-play infrastructure — reliable power and water supply, sewer and waste management, and accessible transport links — making it easier for firms to set up factories, warehouses or processing units without bearing the full load of utility installation.
Business community response has been largely positive. Developers such as the owners of Nairobi Gate Industrial Park — one of the largest industrial-logistics parks in the city — have already committed substantial investments to expand warehouse space, banking on improved infrastructure and industrial readiness. For many manufacturers and SMEs, the upgraded zones reduce entry costs and significantly shorten time to operation, while boosting competitiveness for export-oriented and industrial production.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to build more such upgraded industrial zones and ramp up supporting services including mapping of industrial capacity, enhanced transport access, and streamlined regulatory support. The intent is to position Nairobi not just as a commercial hub but as a high-functioning industrial city — capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investors, creating jobs, and supporting Kenya’s industrialization goals under its national development agenda.