Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Salim Mvurya, today delivered a strong message to investors hoarding licenses within Kenya’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Speaking during the laying of the foundation stone for the Crystal Frozen and Chilled Foods Limited SEZ in Naivasha, CS Mvurya emphasized the government’s firm stance on ensuring timely investment and development within these zones.
CS Mvurya warned that investors who fail to commence operations within one year of receiving their licenses will face the revocation of those licenses. He directed the Special Economic Zones Authority to enforce this mandate, making it clear that investors must report to their designated sites within six months or risk losing their licenses. “We are giving every investor six months to report to the ground, and if they don’t, we will move on to the next person,” CS Mvurya stated.
The Naivasha SEZ has attracted interest from 19 companies, with 11 already cleared and awarded licenses. The Cabinet Secretary credited this progress to the government’s ongoing efforts to simplify the business process and urged investors to capitalize on the incentives available.
CS Mvurya also stressed the importance of investors collaborating with local communities, particularly by prioritizing employment opportunities. “Investors must work together with the local communities by prioritizing employment opportunities. The process should have a coordinated structure that ensures full representation from the grassroots level,” he said.
Addressing past grievances, the CS highlighted a case involving a Turkish investor who failed to pay local youth employed at his facility. Mvurya assured that the government is in contact with the Turkish Embassy to ensure the dues are paid. “The government is following up with the Embassy in Turkey to ensure the dues are paid up by the runaway investor,” he added.
The Crystal Frozen and Chilled Foods Limited facility, once operational, will specialize in the production of frozen fries and vegetables. This development is a significant milestone for Kenya’s agro-processing sector. The facility is expected to produce at least 13.8 tons of vegetables, helping meet the high demand within the hospitality industry, which requires up to one million kilograms of produce. This initiative is poised to enhance food security and contribute significantly to the growth of Kenya’s agricultural value chain.
CS Mvurya, accompanied by Investments Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, also reviewed the progress of other facilities under development within the Naivasha SEZ, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and development.
