Murang'a County Unveils Master Plan for 1,312-Acre Industrial and Commercial Hub

Murang’a County is poised for a significant transformation following the ceding of 1,312 acres of land by Delmonte Kenya Ltd to the county government.

This transfer is set to facilitate the establishment of key facilities aimed at boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for over a million residents. Planned developments include a commercial hub, a primary school, a modern market, and a public service vehicle (PSV) terminus, strategically positioned along the Nairobi-Nyeri highway. The master plan for the newly acquired land outlines a robust vision for industrial growth, dedicating 713 acres specifically for this purpose.

Notably, the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) will occupy 432 acres, while hazardous industries will be restricted to 69 acres. Additionally, 87 acres will be allotted for packaging and assembly plants, with another 120 acres designated for processing industries. This comprehensive strategy is geared toward propelling Murang’a County into a new phase of industrialization and economic prosperity. Leading the initiative, the County Assembly’s Land and Housing Committee, chaired by Wambugu wa Kamutu, has facilitated the planning of land use.

Wambugu highlights that the master plan not only focuses on industrial purposes but also reserves 15 acres for a commercial hub and 20 acres for affordable housing projects. Furthermore, 10 acres adjacent to the Nyeri-Murang’a highway are earmarked for the PSV terminus, while the development plan also includes a public park along the riparian land, enhancing the area's green spaces. A critical stipulation of the project mandates that investors establishing industries on the ceded land must employ a minimum of 40 per cent local workforce.

This requirement aims to bolster local employment rates and foster economic development in the region. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has emerged as a strong advocate for the project, securing the County Assembly's approval for the establishment of an industrial park. He asserts that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for growth within Murang’a County and the larger Mt Kenya region by generating industrial development and economic opportunities.

To further this goal, Governor Kang’ata has announced plans to convene an investors' conference in the next five months, emphasizing the county's dedication to creating a conducive environment for business. One of the immediate beneficiaries of the ceded land is the Kenneth Matiba Hospital, which has been developed across from the Makeji market by the county government within the 2023-2024 financial year. This facility marks a significant enhancement in the provision of essential healthcare services to the local community.

Governor Kang’ata notes that the industrial park is designed to create opportunities for manufacturers to add value to local agricultural products, specifically targeting avocados and mangoes. The county government’s commitment to transparency and equity is reflected in the planned open application process for land leases, to be overseen by the county land and lease allocation committee in 2026. This initiative aims to ensure equal opportunities for all stakeholders in the development process.

Local County Assembly members have expressed strong support for the project, acknowledging its potential to attract investors and stimulate economic growth. The establishment of the industrial park is expected to enhance value addition, spur innovation, and generate employment opportunities. MCA Isaac Njoroge of Kahumbu emphasizes the need to educate youth on value-addition processes for locally produced goods, including tea, coffee, mangoes, avocados, and milk.