Murang’a County is stepping onto the global investment stage, leveraging escalating trade tensions between the United States and China to position itself as a prime destination for industrial relocation. The county government, under the leadership of Governor Irungu Kang’ata, is rolling out a bold economic strategy aimed at attracting foreign manufacturers, particularly those seeking to move operations from Asia to Africa.
Speaking ahead of the Murang’a Invest 2025 conference, scheduled for June 13–14 at Thika Greens Golf Resort, Governor Kang’ata outlined the county’s intent to tap into shifting global supply chains.
“In America, we are targeting healthcare investors, particularly pharmaceutical manufacturers and nursing home operators,” he said. “We’ve already earmarked land for a medi-city within the county. But we also intend to pursue opportunities in China, the world’s largest manufacturing hub.”
Kang’ata explained that increasing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are prompting Chinese manufacturers to look for new industrial bases abroad. Murang’a, with its proximity to Nairobi, rich agricultural base, and improving infrastructure, is positioning itself as a viable alternative.
The upcoming investment conference, themed “Unlocking Murang’a as an Industrial Hub,” aims to attract both local and international investors. Participants will include government officials, industry experts, and business leaders, who will discuss the county’s economic strengths and outline investment-ready projects in sectors such as agriculture, technology, education, and Special Economic Zones.
A major focus of the county’s strategy is value addition in agriculture. As one of Kenya’s top avocado exporters and a major producer of coffee and tea, Murang’a plans to establish agro-processing facilities to boost local earnings and job creation.
“Value addition is at the heart of our agenda,” Kang’ata emphasized. “That is the essence of this weekend’s investment conference.”
Organizers hope the two-day event will not only attract capital but also spark innovation and partnerships that will drive sustainable development in Murang’a and contribute to Kenya’s broader economic transformation.
