CS Kagwe Announces Gazettement of Galana Kulalu as Special Economic Zone to Boost Agricultural Investment
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, has announced the official gazettement of the Galana Kulalu Mega Food Security Project as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a move heralded as a milestone for Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during a recent briefing, CS Kagwe emphasized that this designation will attract international agribusiness investors, drive large-scale agricultural value addition, and accelerate growth in various agro-industries.
With SEZ status, Galana Kulalu will benefit from enhanced infrastructure support, tax incentives, and streamlined regulatory processes, making it easier and more attractive for investors specializing in edible oils, cereals, horticulture, livestock, and industrial crops.
This strategic approach is expected to fast-track the commercialization of the vast fertile land and transform Kenya’s food security landscape.
CS Kagwe also highlighted the expansion of the Land Commercialization Initiative (LCI), which seeks to unlock underutilized government land across counties, prison farms, and other institutions for productive agricultural investment.
“Kenya cannot afford idle land while we are importing food. All counties must bring forward land that can be productive, and we will partner with private investors to unlock its full value,” he said.
The establishment of a one-stop LCI office will streamline approvals, enabling investors to acquire land within a month, a significant improvement over past bureaucratic delays.
He cited the example of Nyumba Group, a leading investor that has leased 300,000 acres within the Galana Kulalu block and invested over 6 billion Kenyan shillings in irrigation and farm infrastructure.
The project has created over 3,000 jobs, fostering economic growth in the coastal region.
Other prominent agro-investors including Selu Farm Limited, Bayer Crop Science, and Yara have also secured land in the zone.
CS Kagwe reiterated that 8 idle land practices will boost job creation, enhance industrialization, and secure Kenya’s position as a competitive agri-investment destination.
“The era of idle land is over,” he said. “This initiative will create jobs, grow industries, attract capital and secure our nation’s agricultural future.”
This designation of Galana Kulalu as an SEZ marks a significant step towards achieving Kenya’s aspirations for food security and sustainable agricultural growth, supported by public-private partnerships and government commitment