The government has officially designated Olkaria, Naivasha, as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for industrialisation powered by clean energy.
The Olkaria SEZ, covering approximately 8,292 acres in Nakuru County, is designed to attract industrial investments in energy-intensive sectors, particularly manufacturing and export-driven industries. Businesses operating in the zone will benefit from incentives such as tax exemptions, infrastructure support, and access to affordable geothermal power.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative. “This declaration cements Kenya’s commitment to industrialisation, job creation, and sustainability. Olkaria’s abundant geothermal energy makes it an ideal location for industries looking for reliable, low-cost, and green power, aligning with Kenya’s vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy-driven industrialisation.”
The government envisions Olkaria SEZ as a key pillar of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and net-zero industrialisation drive. Industries expected to set up in the SEZ include green manufacturing, electric vehicle production, mobility solutions, and data centres.
With its proximity to key transport corridors, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, the Olkaria SEZ is expected to provide investors with seamless access to both local and global markets.
Kenya’s broader economic strategy includes the development of Green Energy Parks, with Olkaria SEZ playing a central role in attracting energy-intensive industries. “Our Green Energy Park represents a transformative shift in Kenya’s approach to industrial development, leveraging clean energy to drive economic growth,” added Njenga.
Investor interest in the SEZ is already gaining momentum, with several multinational firms considering operations within the zone. With government support and private sector interest, Olkaria SEZ is poised to be a cornerstone of Kenya’s industrialisation ambitions.
