Tatu City, the 5,000-acre mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Nairobi’s doorstep, and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Chamber of Commerce (CAETC), supported by Changsha County Government, have formed a partnership to catalyse bi-lateral investment between Kenya and China.
CAETC, a non-profit social organisation composed of Changsha-based enterprises, has been pivotal in enhancing trade and cooperation between China and Africa.
“The collaboration between Tatu City, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Chamber of Commerce and Changsha County Government marks a significant milestone in enhancing the connections between China and Kenya,” said Johanna Chen, Executive President of Changsha Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited about the potential to drive economic growth through Tatu City SEZ.
“Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, said: “Promoting investments and market access in Africa through favourable trade policies has been an ongoing conversation. Our collaboration with CAETC is a step towards enduring friendships between our countries and establishing Kenya and the greater East Africa region as the landing port for continental investments.”
Tatu City is home to many Chinese companies, including Sinotruk’s assembly, Tianglong, a gas cylinder manufacturer, Stecol Corporation, a global construction and engineering company, and footwear manufacturer Peonystar.
More than 75 companies are operational or under development at Tatu City SEZ, representing over KES 300 billion (USD 2 billion) in investments in Kenya. More than 9,000 people currently work at these companies, which include Dormans, Copia, Cooper K-Brands, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Twiga Foods, Freight Forwarders Solutions, Friendship Group, Davis & Shirtliff, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited and Roast by Carnivore. Crawford International School and Nova Pioneer educate more than 3,500 students daily, and more than 4,000 people live in Unity Homes apartments and the Kijani Ridge premier neighborhood.
Business benefits at Tatu City SEZ include VAT zero-rating, import and stamp duty exemptions, and 10% corporate tax for the first 10 years and 15% for 10 years thereafter.
