Kenyan special economic zone to launch Chinese industrial park

by Ronald Njoroge

NAIROBI Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan special economic zone Tatu City is set to launch a Chinese industrial park to accommodate firms from the Asian nation, officials said Wednesday.

Nick Langford, Country Head of Tatu City, told Xinhua that the city, located 15 km northeast of Nairobi, has so far attracted three Chinese firms into its industrial park.

"Due to increasing interest by Chinese investors, we are seeking to set aside 50 acres out of the 900 acres of industrial park to Chinese firms," Langford said.

Tatu city is a 5,000-acre mixed-use city that will house over 150,000 residents when fully developed.

China's construction engineering firm STECOL has bought space at the industrial park as have TianLong, a manufacturer of gas cylinders, and Kyanite Construction firm.

Langford said that the fact that three Chinese companies have bought land at Tatu City indicates that there is demand from Chinese companies.

"We are also getting many more inquires from Chinese firms," he added.

The Tatu city official noted that its industrial park is ideal for setting up a manufacturing plant due to suitable location as well developed infrastructure.

He said firms domiciled at the special economic zone are entitled to various tax incentives including a ten-year tax holiday.

Data from the ministry of industry indicates that there are approximately 400 Chinese companies operating in Kenya providing over 40,000 jobs to locals. Enditem