Incentives & Support

Incentives and Support

Unlocking Growth Opportunities in Nakuru County

Nakuru County offers a dynamic suite of investment incentives, designed to catalyse growth and attract both local and international investors. By introducing targeted tax exemptions, streamlined regulatory processes, and comprehensive support programmes, Nakuru has become a hub for transformative business ventures. For instance, in 2025, a leading agro-processing firm was granted a five-year county tax exemption, enabling the company to expand maize milling operations and create over 200 new jobs. Similarly, the successful public-private partnership behind the Gilgil Industrial Park leveraged county land and private capital to deliver modern infrastructure, boosting manufacturing output and export capacity.

Key Incentives

1. Tax Benefits & Rebates: Investors in priority sectors such as agro-processing, renewable energy, and manufacturing can access county and national tax reliefs, including VAT exemptions and rebates. For example, a horticultural export company recently benefited from a customs duty waiver on imported processing equipment.
2. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) & Export Processing Zones (EPZs) : Businesses operating within SEZs and EPZs—such as the Naivasha SEZ—enjoy reduced corporate tax rates, VAT exemptions, and fast-tracked licensing. A textile manufacturer in the Naivasha SEZ recently doubled its exports to the EAC market, thanks to these incentives.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) : Flexible PPP frameworks empower investors to participate in infrastructure, agribusiness, and energy projects. The recent expansion of the Nakuru Solar Mini-Grid, developed through a PPP, now supplies clean energy to thousands of rural households.

Regulatory Support

1. Investor-Friendly Policies: The county has introduced digital registration and licensing platforms, cutting processing times by half. Recent reforms have enabled a pharmaceutical start-up to launch within weeks, rather than months.
2. Dedicated Investment Facilitation Unit: Investors receive end-to-end support for approvals, permits, and business setup. Eligible investors can apply for these incentives through the County's Investment Facilitation Unit by submitting a business proposal and meeting sector-specific criteria.
3. Transparent Governance: Robust legal frameworks guarantee investor protections and ensure predictable, transparent decision-making at every stage.

Facilitation Programmes

1. Infrastructure Support: Access to fully serviced industrial parks, reliable power, water, and an extensive road and rail network. The new Nakuru Logistics Hub, for example, offers streamlined customs clearance for exporters.
2. Skills & Talent Development: Collaborations with local universities and technical institutes ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers. The County’s partnership with Egerton University has provided tailored agritech training for new investors.
3. Aftercare Services: Ongoing support helps investors navigate expansion, diversification, and operational challenges, ensuring long-term success in Nakuru.

What sets Nakuru County apart is its strategic location at the heart of Kenya, with seamless road and rail links connecting it to Nairobi, Mombasa, and the wider East African region. Abundant natural resources, a thriving skilled workforce, and a proven track record of successful investment projects make Nakuru an ideal gateway for trade and growth. Investors here benefit not only from robust incentives but also from a supportive ecosystem designed for sustainable, inclusive progress.