CS Kagwe announces gazettement of Galana Kulalu as Special Economic Zone

Speaking on Tuesday during a briefing on ongoing agricultural transformation efforts, CS Kagwe said the move to designate the mega food security project as an SEZ will attract global agribusiness players, and fast-track value addition in edible oils, cereals, horticulture, livestock and industrial crops.

The SEZ status will also enable tax benefits, simplified regulatory approvals, and enhanced infrastructure support for investors working within the expansive block.

CS Kagwe further revealed that the government will now expand the Land Commercialisation Initiative (LCI) to include underutilised state-owned land in counties, prison farms, and other government institutions, to contribute to national food security, manufacturing and job creation.

“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.

To remove bureaucratic delays that have historically slowed agricultural investment, the Ministry has established a one-stop LCI Office which will consolidate all approval processes.

Through this mechanism, CS Kagwe confirmed that investors will be able to acquire land for agricultural ventures within a month, a move expected to increase Kenya’s competitiveness as an agri-investment destination.

He further emphasized that private-sector investment, will be the ultimate game changer for Kenya’s agricultural future.

He highlighted Nyumba Group as a leading example of what committed investors can achieve under LCI. The company, which has leased 300,000 acres, has already invested over $50 million (Ksh.6.4 billion) in developing the farm and constructing irrigation infrastructure.

The Ministry reports that the investment has so far created more than 3,000 jobs, providing livelihoods and stimulating economic activity in the coastal region.

Nyumba Group’s transformation includes the opening and preparation of 20,000 acres, large-scale production of edible oil crops and food crops, installation of dams, canals, and massive irrigation systems—demonstrating the practical success of the government’s commercialisation agenda.

Other companies that have already been allocated land on the farm include Selu Farm Limited, Bayer Crop Science, Yara, and Irrico International.

Under the LCI framework, the Ministry is leasing 1.8 million acres of land to private investors, making it the largest coordinated land commercialisation effort in Kenya’s history.

These leases target high-potential zones for edible oils, cereal production, horticulture, livestock feed, irrigated agriculture, and agro-industrial development.

CS Kagwe reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to a results-driven land strategy that ensures Kenya becomes food secure, export competitive, and an attractive destination for serious agricultural investors.

“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.”