Mudavadi Hails Nasewa EPZ Project as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
The Nasewa EPZ Project, one of six flagship hubs established under a Presidential directive, has set aside 843 acres for economic development, which were gazetted for EPZ use in April 2023.
The launch of the Nasewa Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Project and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Matayos Constituency. Photo/Musalia Mudavadi.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as a tool for driving investments and fostering national development.
Speaking during the launch of the Nasewa Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Project and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Matayos Constituency, Mudavadi highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives in advancing Kenya’s economic agenda.
The launch, officiated by President William Samoei Ruto, marks a pivotal moment for Busia County’s economic prospects.
Mudavadi described SEZs as “game-changers” that are critical to realizing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a strategy aimed at addressing key economic pillars, including agriculture, the MSME economy, housing and settlement, healthcare, the digital superhighway, and environmental sustainability.
The Nasewa EPZ Project, one of six flagship hubs established under a Presidential directive, has set aside 843 acres for economic development, which were gazetted for EPZ use in April 2023.
Once operational, the project is expected to generate 50,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs, cementing its status as a significant driver of local and national growth.
“This project represents a bold step forward in Kenya’s journey to become a regional industrial powerhouse,” Mudavadi said. “By serving as a magnet for new investments, particularly in agricultural value addition, it will significantly contribute to Kenya’s GDP while creating job opportunities and boosting the livelihoods of countless families.”
The initiative will also promote industrialization in the region by providing infrastructure for manufacturing, processing, and export.
This aligns with Kenya’s long-term goal of enhancing value addition in agriculture, particularly for local farmers, who stand to benefit from increased demand for raw materials and access to wider markets.
In addition to the EPZ, the newly launched County Aggregation and Industrial Park will provide further support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering them opportunities to scale up operations and integrate into global value chains.
President Ruto, addressing the gathering, emphasized that projects like Nasewa EPZ are vital for equitable development, saying they “reflect the government’s commitment to bringing development closer to the people.”
The residents of Matayos Constituency welcomed the launch with optimism, recognizing its potential to transform the region into an economic hub.
With its focus on job creation, value addition, and industrial growth, the Nasewa EPZ Project promises to be a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.
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