Kilifi set for industrial revolution as Vipingo Special Economic Zone breaks ground
The industrial hub is being developed by global firm Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) in partnership with Centum Investments.
Kilifi is on the brink of major transformation with the rollout of the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a multi-billion-shilling industrial project expected to create jobs, boost farming, and attract new industries to the coast.
The industrial hub is being developed by global firm Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) in partnership with Centum Investments.
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For local farmers, the project offers a chance to revive a once-thriving sector. “If they can give us a reliable market for our cotton, many families here will finally earn a steady income,” said Kenga Tsuma, a farmer.
Young people in the county are also looking forward to new opportunities.
“I have been jobless since finishing college,” said 24-year-old Joseph Ngumbao from Vipingo. He added, “If these factories open their doors to young people from here, it will change our lives.”
Arise IIP plans to invest in textiles, agro-processing, renewable energy, automobile assembly, pharmaceuticals, logistics, recycling, and mineral value addition at the zone.
Since 2023, the company has distributed more than 1,500 tonnes of certified cotton seeds to farmers and intends to open a new garment and industrial textile plant in Vipingo.
Cautious
Despite the optimism, some residents remain cautious.
“We have seen big projects before, but often outsiders get the jobs. We want assurances that our children will not be left out,” said Kadzo Kitsao.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industrialisation welcomed the initiative, calling it a decisive step towards Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.
“We continue to engage with the private sector to address the emerging business challenges, noting recently we held a Private Sector Round Table to further understand and address emerging issues. As a Ministry, we are also working to strengthen the Private Sector by coming up with a policy and legal framework for the Chambers in Kenya,” said Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Hassan Abubakar Hassan.
Centum CEO James Mworia added that the firm would channel further investments into energy, water, and education programmes to support the Vipingo community.
“From building a cashew nut industrial pipeline to tackling water challenges, investing in affordable energy with LaGas, and supporting youth through 500+ scholarships, Centum is proving that growth and impact go hand in hand. Vipingo is the product, and Arise IIP is the partner we were waiting on to ensure its success.”
The Vipingo SEZ is modelled on similar Arise IIP projects in Gabon, Benin, and Togo, which have attracted billions in investment.
The groundbreaking ceremony, expected to be led by President William Ruto on Tuesday, will mark the start of construction for factories and infrastructure that could transform Kilifi into a regional industrial hub.
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