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Foreign Investment in Kenya-AthiRiver Export Processing Zone

Foreign Investment in Kenya-AthiRiver Export Processing Zone

March 22, 2023 12:12 am

Kinlark-nafas Nafasi

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AthiRiver Export Processing Zone

Foreign investments in Kenya help promote the economy of our country.AthiRiver town is one of the main investment areas in Kenya with several industries mostly invested by foreigners such as Indians,British and Chinese.AthiRiver Export Processing Zone(EPZ) was started in 1991 and it is located in AthiRiver,Machakos country in Eastern province which is 30 kilometers from Nairobi.Its off Nairobi-Namanga highway,junction to the left opposite Kitengela police station,a distance of about 1 km from the road and its next to Kitengela town.The export processing zone AthiRiver has a length of 4.3 km.Its basically an industrial area with several industries.EPZ is mainly investment area for foreigners and it presents the best opportunity for growth,development and wealth to both investors and residents. By end of August 2002,twenty two export oriented firms were operational at the zone offering employment opportunities to 9300 Kenyans within the region.The firms are engaged in manufacture or processing of products such as garments/clothes,cotton yarns,human and veterinary pharmaceuticals,sisal dartboards,gemstones,food processing,tanning products,darts,construction and lease of industrial buildings.All these products manufactured are for export to far away countries such as India,Britain,China and many other abroad countries.Most of the land available in export processing zone(EPZ) is covered by industrial buildings of size 1000-7000 square meters.These industrial buildings are available for rent to investors the landlord being export processing zone authority(EPZA).The main foreign investors in EPZ are Indians owning two-thirds of the investment.Most of the industries deal with manufacture of garments.

Some of the industries include:

1.Newwide Garments EPZ limited-Its named after the investor Newwide,an Indian who is a main investor owning five industries all of them manufacturing garment.

2.Global EPZ Limited-manufactures garments,owned by Indian investor.

3.Royal EPZ Limited-deals with garments,Indian investment.

4.Altex EPZ Limited-garments,Indian investment.

5.Rolex/Capital EPZ Limited-deals with mat,invested by a British.

6.Ricardo-garments,Indian investment.

7.Wondernuts EPZ Limited-cooking oil,invested by an Indian.

8.Nodor-dealers with darts,a British investment.

9.Botanical Extracts EPZ Limited-deals with veterinary pharmaceuticals.

10.IVEE Aqua and Infusion-The two companies are owned an Indian and deal with human pharmaceuticals i.e.injection water and infusion.

11.Insta-deals with maize flour,an Indian investment.

12.Rupa-dealers with cotton yarn.

13.American Database deals with networking and online business,started in 2014.

Other facilities present in EPZ include office block which is a 5-storey to service companies and light assembly industries.Its also a business centre due to availability of Equity bank and Trans National bank at the gate which serves both the workers and neighbourwood.Also a canteen is present in the zone for serving the workers.

The ready made products are transported to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) or Mombasa port for export.EPZ AthiRiver has made its residents develop economically and also raises of revenue to our country.

About the Author

Kinlark-nafas Nafasi

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Born amidst the bustling economic hub of Nairobi, Kinlark Nafasi's story is deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Kenya's capital. As a young boy, Kinlark's inquisitiveness was piqued by the vibrant business activities around him, from the busy street vendors to the towering corporate offices that painted the city's skyline.

This early intrigue was the catalyst for his academic pursuits at one of Kenya's top universities, where he majored in Business Administration. While in university, Kinlark's natural flair for articulating complex business concepts and trends became evident. His articles, often peppered with astute observations and data-driven insights, caught the attention of not just his professors, but local business periodicals as well.

Upon graduation, Kinlark quickly established himself in the world of business journalism. His deep understanding of the African market dynamics, combined with a global perspective, made his writings invaluable. He covered a wide array of topics, from the challenges faced by startups in Nairobi to the macroeconomic policies shaping the East African community.

Kinlark's articles have since been published in renowned international business journals, earning him a reputation as a leading voice on African business matters. Beyond journalism, he has been instrumental in organizing business forums and conferences, fostering a dialogue between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.

Today, Kinlark Nafasi continues to chronicle the evolving business landscape of Kenya and Africa as a whole. Through his writings, he endeavors to inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs while providing critical insights to investors and business leaders worldwide.