The Association of Special Economic Zones (ASEZ) was officially launched in Nairobi, with a strong mandate to drive the future of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Kenya and attract both local and foreign investment. ASEZ marks a critical milestone for Kenya’s industrial sector as it aims to boost economic growth, create jobs, and position Kenya as a top destination for global investors.
The formation of ASEZ brings together SEZ developers, operators, investors, and service providers, creating a unified voice to advocate for better policies, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure improvements. The event was graced by industry players in various sectors, key government representatives- Hon. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Dr. Kenneth Chelule, CEO of SEZ Authority and Madam Florence Were, Ag. Managing Director of KenInvest, Kenya Revenue Authority, and founding members- Tatu City and Africa Economic Zones (AEZ) emphasized the importance of the association in shaping the future of SEZs in Kenya.
Dr. David Langat, Chairman of ASEZ, placed a special focus on the manufacturing sector as the backbone of Kenya’s industrial growth. “As the key driver of industrial growth, manufacturing within SEZs has a ripple effect across the economy, creating jobs for our youth and positioning Kenya as a regional powerhouse. Through ASEZ, we aim to strengthen this sector and build on its potential to deliver long-term, sustainable growth. ASEZ is committed to ensuring that SEZs operate in a globally competitive, business-friendly environment, and we are excited to work with the government to further drive growth in this critical sector.”
Solomon Mahinda, Vice Chairman of ASEZ, added, “SEZs are critical to our country’s industrialization efforts, offering fertile ground for investment and job creation. With ASEZ, we now have a unified voice to advocate for policies that will unlock the full potential of these zones.”
The launch event also emphasized the association’s commitment to advocacy, networking, and capacity building. It will also connect SEZ developers and investors with global partners and offer tailored solutions to address the unique challenges faced by SEZ stakeholders.
Hon. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry said, “The launch of ASEZ is not just a milestone for the association but a major leap for our country. SEZs are a central pillar in the government’s economic agenda, and we see them as champions of Kenya’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive investment hub. President Ruto’s vision for this nation is deeply rooted in industrialization, job creation, and economic growth. We are committed to ensuring SEZs receive the full backing of the government.”
ASEZ members will enjoy favorable investment support and close collaboration with relevant government entities. Members will also access global best practices, networking opportunities, and trade facilitation. Members such as zone developers, operators, enterprises, or service providers must attain the necessary licenses and approvals within the SEZ ecosystem.
With many more SEZ enterprises in the process of becoming members, this diverse and growing membership underscores the widespread support and critical importance of ASEZ in shaping the future of Kenya’s economic zones.