Who we are
The Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) is the institution responsible for attracting, facilitating and retaining domestic and foreign direct investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Authority serves as the regulator of both public and private SEZs in Kenya and exists to create an enabling environment for investors through the development of integrated infrastructure facilities, as well as the creation of incentives that eliminate the barriers to doing business in Eastern Africa’s most vibrant economic hub.
Established in 2015 by an Act of Parliament (
Special Economic Zones Act No. 16 of 2015
), the institution’s core objectives are:
1. Facilitate investment in SEZs
through one-stop-shop and advisory services. This includes making recommendations to the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on all aspects of designation, approval, establishment, operation and regulation of special economic zones;
2. Collaborate with public and private sector stakeholders to inform and implement the policies and programmes of the Government with regard to special economic zones;
3. Support the establishment and operation of SEZs by identifying, mapping and, where necessary, make available the areas of land and infrastructure to support special economic zones.
4. Continuously assess and evaluate market opportunities so as to streamline policy frameworks and processes to promote investments in the development and operation of SEZs as well as the economic activities within these zones.
Our Vision
Globally competitive and Sustainable Zones Investments in the Region.
Our Mission
To create an enabling environment for a globally competitive and sustainable Zones investment destination through appropriate policy, incentives and regulatory framework.
Our Values
Shared value: We know we succeed when our partners succeed. Our aim is to constantly deliver return on investment for our government stakeholders and our business partners. Ultimately, we measure success in benefits to the people of Kenya and the world.
Growth with integrity: We support new growth for local and international businesses, striving to maximise return on investment - based on our agreed values and benchmark performance standards.
Transforming: We constantly strive to do better: We support our customers and partners to achieve their current and future goals. And we challenge global models and standards to improve what we do and how we do it so we can build a better future.
Transparent governance: We cut through red tape while delivering consistent and open management of rules and regulations. We do not play favourites.
Leading through innovation: We constantly strive to be ahead of the game. We innovate in the design and delivery of our policies, coordination and facilitation services responding to the needs of our customers.
Welcoming connection: We work openly and honestly with local and international partners, collaborating to achieve shared value in long term relationships
Our History
In line with Vision 2030 and National Industrialization policy, Kenya enacted Special Economic Zones Act in 2015. The Act provides for the establishment of the special economic zones and the Special Economic Zones Authority which is mandated to regulate and implement policies and programs related to SEZs.
Since the enactment of the act, twenty three (23) sites have been gazetted as Special Economic Zones. Four of the 23 zones are government owned, developed and managed (Konza Technopolis, Naivasha SEZ, Dongo Kundu SEZ and Mombasa SEZ) while the other nineteen are private.
With the mandate to regulate and implement policies and programmes related to SEZs, the Government of Kenya, through SEZA, recognizes the critical role of SEZs in transforming the country into an industrialized ‘middle-income economy providing a high quality life to all its citizens as envisioned in Kenya Vision 2030 .