Kenya’s export processing zones help promote and diversify exports by ensuring the country moves from traditional exports to value-added products in various areas. Policies and structures have been put in place that stimulate domestic and foreign investment in export-oriented manufacturing, commercial and service activities. Exports and manufacturing are seen as key stimulators of the country’s economic growth.

The country has more than 72 gazetted zones in 19 counties. The main advantages include a 10-year tax holiday and, thereafter, tax at the rate of 25 per cent, exemption from import duty, exemption of VAT, exemption from withholding tax and single EPZ licences. Other advantages are applications for new investors cleared within 30 days, quick issuance of work permits where required, and availability of land and factory buildings for the zones, which are developed with the requisite infrastructure, enabling investors to easily move in and start operations.

The export processing zones can manufacture a range of products like textiles and apparel, textile accessories, horticulture and floriculture processing, fortified blended foods, relief supplies, pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals extraction, manufacture of medical supplies and health supplies, blending and packaging of tea and coffee, meat processing, macadamia nut processing, extraction and packaging of avocado oils and fruit juices.