The Kenyan government has officially designated Olkaria in Naivasha as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards industrialization and clean energy investment.

This strategic move, led by the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, aims to position Kenya as a regional leader in sustainable industrial growth.

Further leveraging its world-class geothermal resources to attract investors and boost economic development.

Industrial Investment

Spanning approximately 8,292 acres in Nakuru County, the Olkaria SEZ is set to become a hub for industrial investment, clean energy manufacturing, and export-oriented production.

The initiative provides businesses with a range of incentives, including tax exemptions, top-tier infrastructure, and access to affordable, renewable geothermal power.

These measures are expected to draw both local and international investors eager to establish cost-effective, environmentally friendly operations.

Speaking on the groundbreaking announcement,

KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, emphasized Olkaria’s potential to drive Kenya’s economic transformation and clean energy transition.

“This declaration underscores Kenya’s unwavering commitment to industrialization, job creation, and sustainability.

With abundant geothermal energy, Olkaria offers industries a reliable, low-cost, and green power source.

Reinforcing our vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy-driven industrialization,” said Eng. Njenga.

Olkaria declared Special Economic Zone

KenGen, the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed power generator, revealed that

The Olkaria SEZ will support industries in green manufacturing, agro-processing, electric mobility, and data centers, among others.

The move aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Kenya’s ambitious commitment to achieving net-zero industrialization.

Strategically located along key transport corridors, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway,

The Olkaria SEZ will offer investors seamless market access, enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness as a premier industrial hub.

The SEZ, which houses KenGen’s Green Energy Park,

Represents a transformative shift in the country’s approach to industrial development, integrating clean energy solutions into business operations to reduce carbon emissions and lower operational costs.

“With industries worldwide transitioning to net-zero operations,

the Olkaria SEZ provides an ideal platform for businesses seeking to integrate renewable energy into their production processes.

By directly connecting industries to geothermal power, we are not only reducing costs but also strengthening Kenya’s position in green industrialization,” added Eng. Njenga.

With strong government backing, growing private-sector interest, and KenGen’s commitment to clean energy.

Olkaria SEZ is poised to become a key pillar of Kenya’s industrial strategy.

The first phase of investor engagement is already underway, with several multinational firms expressing keen interest in establishing operations within the SEZ.