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Nakuru County partners with national government to boost industrial growth through new economic zones and parks

BiasharaNational

Author: Waithanji Kaberi

November 1, 2025

2 min.read

The Nakuru County Government has expressed confidence that its ongoing partnership with the national government will transform the region into a major industrial hub and boost economic growth.

According to Chief Officer for External Resource Mobilization, Dr. Victor Achoka, the devolved unit is prioritizing industrialization under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on job creation, value addition, and inclusive growth.

Speaking during the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) South Rift Regional Chapter’s 21st Annual General Meeting in Nakuru, Dr. Achoka said the county has approved a policy framework to establish County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract investors and promote local manufacturing.

He revealed that plans are underway to set up two major industrial parks, including an agro-industrial park at Egerton University’s Ngongongeri Farm in Njoro, which will occupy 200 acres. This project will complement the Naivasha Economic Zone, further positioning Nakuru as a key investment destination.

Dr. Achoka noted that Nakuru is home to over 250 manufacturing and value-addition enterprises, making it Kenya’s second-largest contributor to GDP. He praised Governor Susan Kihika’s administration for implementing business-friendly policies such as the Unified Business Permit and the Ksh130 million Wezesha Biashara Fund for SMEs and cooperatives.

He added that the county is fostering public-private partnerships to streamline regulations, lower the cost of doing business, and attract long-term investment.

“Nakuru County remains committed to policies that support enterprise growth and sustainable economic development,” said Dr. Achoka, highlighting ongoing infrastructure works at the Naivasha SEZ and the Njoro industrial park, where 200 hectares have been allocated for processing facilities.

Dr. Achoka further noted that geothermal energy from the Menengai Crater, with a capacity of 105 megawatts, could power agricultural industries and attract green investment. The upcoming Lanet Airport, he said, will also enable direct exports of produce to Europe and global markets.

During the meeting, KAM South Rift Chairperson Whitney Maina lauded Nakuru’s business environment, citing its strategic location, reliable infrastructure, and expanding investment potential estimated at Ksh200 billion across sectors such as agriculture, real estate, tourism, and renewable energy.

Ms. Maina emphasized the importance of harmonizing taxes and streamlining licensing processes to make Nakuru more competitive, noting that the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, will help ease trade across devolved units.

She also called for consistent investment policies, better infrastructure, and incentives for startups to drive manufacturing growth and job creation.

“By fostering collaboration between government and the private sector, we can transform Nakuru into a model of industrial success,” she said.

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Waithanji Kaberi