By Eddah Waithaka
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) has officially launched its integrated network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial parks across Kenya, marking a transformative leap for the country’s manufacturing sector.
The company is developing flagship industrial zones in Kilifi, Mombasa, Naivasha, and Eldoret, a move that positions Kenya as a premier trade and production hub for East Africa and beyond.
Unlocking Billions in Investment and Massive Job GrowthThis expansive development promises to supercharge Kenya’s economy. ARISE IIP projects the integrated platforms will unlock over $3 billion in industrial investment.
Once fully operational, the zones are expected to generate more than 100,000 direct jobs and at least 500,000 indirect jobs nationwide.“Kenya is the gateway to East Africa and beyond,” said George Olaka, CEO of ARISE IIP Kenya, during a media briefing in Nairobi.
“Through our integrated industrial platforms, we aim to attract both local and foreign investment, while providing manufacturers with the infrastructure and ecosystem they need to compete globally.”
A Nationwide Network of Industrial ZonesThe rollout of this ambitious plan is already underway. In September, ARISE IIP launched its first project: the 824-hectare Vipingo Special Economic Zone in Kilifi County, developed in partnership with Centum Investment Company.
The development pipeline now advances to the Coast Integrated Industrial Park in Dongo Kundu, Mombasa, and the Great Rift Industrial Park in Naivasha.
The company is developing both projects in partnership with the Government of Kenya and Afreximbank.
Revitalizing Kenya’s Textile HeartlandIn a significant move for a key sector, ARISE IIP has also secured a 21-year lease of Rivatex East Africa in Eldoret.
This partnership targets the full revitalization of Kenya’s cotton, textile, and apparel (CTA) value chain.
“Developing our cotton and apparel value chain means creating jobs, stabilizing the country’s foreign exchange position, and expanding the tax base,” Olaka explained.
“Through Rivatex, we are building a comprehensive textile hub with both upstream and downstream impact, from cotton farmers to spinners, weavers, and garment makers.”
Backing Investors with Major FinancingTo ensure manufacturers can quickly establish operations, a robust $800 million joint financing facility from KCB Bank Kenya and Afreximbank will provide critical capital for businesses setting up within the ARISE IIP ecosystems.
This model of collaboration between government, private industry, and finance is central to the company’s mission. “Together, we can accelerate the shared goal of building a globally competitive, industrialized Africa,” Olaka stated.
ARISE IIP currently operates 20 such industrial platforms across 14 African countries, focusing on transforming the continent’s natural resources into finished goods for regional and global markets.
