President William Ruto has called for the immediate operationalisation of all Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as a key strategy to create jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the official opening of the Murang’a Investment Conference 2025, Ruto emphasised that job creation must be intentional, targeted, and aligned with Kenya’s broader economic transformation agenda.
“I agree that we have a challenge of unemployment in Kenya. We have many young people who are looking for opportunities to work,” the President said. “We must be deliberate in identifying areas where jobs can be created — and SEZs are a critical part of that solution.”
Ruto underscored the importance of value addition and agro-processing in creating sustainable employment, particularly for youth.
“Whether it is macadamia, avocado, tea, or coffee, we need to move them to the next value. That’s how we create decent jobs,” he said.
He noted that fully operational SEZs would not only boost manufacturing and processing within Murang’a County but also benefit surrounding counties supplying agricultural produce to these zones.
“We must operationalise all economic zones that we have,” Ruto added, stressing the potential of SEZs to become hubs of industrial growth and job creation across the country.
The Murang’a Investment Conference has brought together investors, business leaders, government officials, and policymakers to explore investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, health, and technology.
The goal is to attract both local and international private capital into the county while fostering networks that support sustainable development.
Currently, there are 15 gazetted Special Economic Zones. These custom-controlled areas operate under distinct regulatory frameworks, often with incentives such as tax exemptions and reduced import duties aimed at attracting both foreign and domestic investors.
According to government data, SEZs have already created over 7,000 direct jobs, including 3,000 in 2024 alone. With full activation and strategic support, officials say these numbers could multiply significantly in the coming years.
