Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has officially gazetted Galana Kulalu as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a strategic move aimed at unlocking Kenya’s large-scale farming potential and attracting global agribusiness investment.
CS Kagwe made the announcement on Tuesday during a briefing on the government’s ongoing agricultural transformation initiatives. He explained that SEZ status will accelerate value addition in edible oils, cereals, horticulture, livestock, and industrial crops, while providing investors with tax incentives, simplified regulatory approvals, and enhanced infrastructure support.
“Designating Galana Kulalu as a Special Economic Zone will position Kenya as a top destination for agricultural investment,” Kagwe said.
The SEZ designation complements the Land Commercialisation Initiative (LCI), which the Ministry plans to expand to include underutilized state-owned lands, prison farms, and other government holdings. The initiative seeks to boost food security, manufacturing, and job creation nationwide.
“Kenya cannot afford idle land while we are importing food. All counties must bring forward land that can be productive, and we will partner with private investors to unlock its full value,” CS Kagwe stated.
To eliminate bureaucratic delays that have historically slowed investment, the Ministry has established a one-stop LCI Office, allowing investors to acquire land for agricultural ventures within a month, enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness as an agri-investment destination.
Nyumba Group Leads Private Investment
CS Kagwe highlighted Nyumba Group as a leading example of successful private-sector engagement under LCI. The company, which has leased 300,000 acres, has already invested over $50 million (KSh 6.4 billion) in farm development and irrigation infrastructure. The project has created more than 3,000 jobs, boosting livelihoods and economic activity along the coast.
“The era of idle land is over,” Kagwe said. “This initiative will create jobs, grow industries, attract capital, and secure our nation’s agricultural future.”
Nyumba Group’s large-scale operations include preparing 20,000 acres, producing edible oil and food crops, and installing dams, canals, and advanced irrigation systems, showcasing the practical benefits of the government’s commercialization strategy.
Other investors allocated land at Galana Kulalu include Selu Farm Limited, Bayer Crop Science, Yara, and Irrico International. Under the LCI framework, the Ministry plans to lease 1.8 million acres to private investors, marking the largest coordinated land commercialization effort in Kenya’s history.
CS Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a results-driven land strategy, aiming to make Kenya food secure, export competitive, and a top destination for agricultural investment.
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