President William Ruto has launched the 2,000-acre Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County, a mega project expected to attract more than $3 billion (Sh390 billion) in investments. The initiative, which is projected to generate over 35,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly, is part of the government’s broader agenda to industrialise the country and position the Coast region as a key hub for economic growth.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Ruto emphasised that special economic zones are central to Kenya’s industrialisation plan. “We are investing in special economic zones as engines of growth to fast-track industrialisation, attract global investors and create wealth for our people,” he said, highlighting the transformative impact of the Vipingo SEZ on both the local and national economy.
Kenya, the President noted, is uniquely positioned to harness its advantages in order to drive industrial growth. With 38 special economic zones, 111 export processing zones, reliable green energy, a skilled youthful workforce, and vast natural resources, the country is strategically placed to serve as the gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion-strong continental free trade market. These strengths, backed by predictable policies and modern infrastructure, underpin Kenya’s ambition to remain the region’s top investment destination.
The Vipingo SEZ launch coincided with the Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Kenya Investment Forum 2025, which brought together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Participants affirmed that SEZs are the backbone of Africa’s industrialisation journey, offering opportunities to scale up manufacturing, create value-chain ecosystems, and increase exports. “As Kenya and Africa, we must cast aside the smallness of vision. We must raise our ambition to rival the very best in the world within our lifetime,” President Ruto declared.
To further drive investor interest, the Head of State announced that new investment packages in textiles and apparel, e-mobility, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) will be unveiled. These, he said, will generate new opportunities, raise household incomes, and boost exports, forming a solid blueprint for counties to transition into net exporters while addressing food security and job creation.
The President also commended Arise IIP and Centum for spearheading the Vipingo SEZ, alongside their broader investments in Dongo Kundu and Naivasha. He pointed to Vision Invest’s $700 million (Sh91 billion) commitment as further proof of investor confidence in Kenya. During the ceremony, Ruto also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and China’s Linglong Group to establish an advanced auto spare parts industrial park in Kenya.
Backing the initiative, Afreximbank president and chairman Benedict Oramah lauded SEZs as critical vehicles for unlocking Kenya’s industrial capacity. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro echoed the call for bold, transformative investments, affirming that the Vipingo SEZ is a milestone project that will accelerate economic transformation and cement Kenya’s role as Africa’s premier investment hub.
