By Suleiman Mbatiah
Nakuru County has positioned itself as an emerging industrial hub with the operationalization of the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Maai Mahiu, which is already drawing interest from manufacturers and exporters.
Governor Susan Kihika said the SEZ is gaining traction because her administration was offering clearer regulations, faster approvals, and tax incentives that has made it easier for businesses to set up and operate.
“Over 13 companies are already established on-site, and 19 more are awaiting licensing. Completion of the first phase of infrastructure has positioned the SEZ as a critical industrial hub,” she said in her State of the County Address on Wednesday.
The Governor told the Assembly that the SEZ will help expand jobs, boost manufacturing, and attract export-oriented industries.
She added that a second SEZ is planned for the Pipeline area in Nakuru Town East, where companies will also share infrastructure to lower production costs, and link local suppliers to bigger regional markets.
Beyond industrial growth, the Governor said the county has made progress in supporting traders, cooperatives, and small businesses. She noted that the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Njoro is now 45 percent complete, backed by Sh173.1 million in ongoing works.
To strengthen local trade, she revealed, Nakuru County is working with the National Government to construct 23 ESP markets and has rehabilitated 45 others to give traders cleaner and more organized spaces.
She also highlighted the revival and expansion of the cooperative movement where some have received value-addition equipment such as coffee beds, factory upgrades, water towers, and milk coolers.
“My administration has further strengthened the cooperative movement by conducting 548 training sessions, reviving nine dormant cooperatives, registering 125 new ones, and undertaking governance audits across 568 societies,” she said.
On access to credit, the Governor pointed to the Wezesha Fund, a Sh100 million kitty aimed at MSMEs, cooperatives, and farmers. The fund offers loans at between six and eight percent interest.
So far, 98 groups have taken up Sh16.3 million, with more allocations expected in the coming weeks. The Cooperative Development Revolving Fund has issued Sh46 million to 13 cooperatives, with repayments already underway. A Sh30 million Boda Boda Fund has also been set up to support operators.
Touching on small business development, Kihika said 1,200 SMEs have benefited from training, credit, and market linkages under the Biashara Boost programme.
The Governor noted that tourism had grown after establishing the Nakuru Tourism Board, which now guides marketing, raises hospitality standards, and supports community-based projects to strengthen the tourism sector.
The County has mapped and promoted sites like Njoro River Caves, Kainaine Springs, Kariandusi Museum, and Lord Egerton Castle, with campaigns and festivals boosting Nakuru’s visibility locally and internationally.
At the same time, Kihika said reforms in alcoholic drinks control and betting regulation have led to “safer and more accountable business environments” through updated laws, multi-agency licensing, enforcement measures, and automated systems.