Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Salim Mvurya has issued a stern warning to investors hoarding licences within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Speaking during the laying of the foundation stone for the Crystal Frozen and Chilled Foods Limited Special Economic Zone in Naivasha on Wednesday, the CS emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring timely investment and development within the SEZs.
Mvurya highlighted that investors who have failed to set up operations within one year of receiving their licences will face revocation of those licenses.
He directed the Special Economic Zones Authority to enforce this mandate, stressing 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,” he said.
Nineteen companies have expressed interest in setting up operations at the Naivasha SEZ, with 11 of them already cleared and awarded licenses.
The CS attributed this progress to the government’s continuous efforts to ease the process of doing business, urging investors to take full advantage of the incentives available.
Mvurya also emphasised the importance of investors collaborating with local communities.
“Investors must work together with the local communities by prioritising employment opportunities. The process should have a coordinated structure that ensures full representation from the grassroots level,” he said.
He also addressed past grievances, highlighting a case involving a European investor who failed to pay local youth employed at his facility.
“The government is following up with the embassy to ensure the dues are paid up by the runaway investor," Mvurya assured.
The Crystal Frozen and Chilled Foods Limited facility, once established, will specialise in the production of frozen fries and vegetables.
This development represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s agro-processing sector.
The facility is expected to have a production capacity of at least 13.8 tonnes of vegetables, helping meet the high demand within the hospitality industry, which requires up to 1 million kilogrammes of produce.
The initiative will not only enhance food security but also contribute significantly to the growth of Kenya’s agricultural value chain.
Accompanied by Investments Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, Mvurya also reviewed the progress of other facilities taking shape within the Naivasha SEZ, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for investment and development.
