Industrialisation CS Adan Mohamed says priority will be given to companies using local materials.
Local and foreign investors are seeking licences to put up 100 Special Economic Zones (SEZ) across the country.
Industrialisation secretary Adan Mohamed said the applications are being scrutinised with priority given to those eyeing use of locally produced raw materials to process products for export.
During a one-day forum convened by projects and infrastructure specialist firm, IKM Advocates and the International Projects Finance Association, Mr Mohamed said only quality SEZ investments that can generate sustainable jobs, impart employable skills and create wealth for local communities through purchase of locally produced raw materials will benefit.
“Apart from Tatu City and Africa Economic Zones, Naivasha as well will be built enabling manufacturing facilities enjoy access to cheap geothermal power and cheap Standard Gauge Railway transport to Mombasa port,” he said.
Dongo Kundu SEZ is also under development at the coast and will occupy 1,500 hectares. The forum was told a one-stop shop office within SEZ facilities or at the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) headquarters would be established enabling SEZ operators, developers and enterprises to obtain licences with ease.
“The SEZ Act grants incentives that can only be realised once we have operational laws exempting investors from some tax obligations such as payment of stamp duty. All stakeholders should be engaged in formulating the policies that align the incentives to the tax laws,” said IKM managing partner James Kamau.
Mexico’s Federal Authority for SEZ Development executive secretary Enrique Antonio Huesca Fernandez called for strengthening of the SEZ institutional framework and a flexible governance model that allowed investors to set up shop faster.
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