Murang’a County has officially opened applications for investors seeking to lease land across multiple development zones. The public call, issued under Section 12(1)(e) of the Land Act (Cap 280), marks a bold step in Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s plan to industrialize the county, attract new capital, and create long-term employment.

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The county government says its goal is simple — to increase farmers’ incomes, diversify agricultural output, and raise the overall standard of living for residents. The new investment drive also aims to boost Murang’a’s own-source revenue so that more money can be reinvested in public projects such as roads, water systems, and modern markets.

Murang'a investment opportunities

What’s on offer

The call targets both local and foreign investors ready to engage in long-term partnerships with the county. Opportunities are spread across four key sites:

  1. Murang’a Industrial Park – Opposite Makeni
    This is the county’s flagship development site. It features multiple zones ready for lease, including commercial, industrial, affordable housing, recreation, ICT hubs, schools, and infrastructure plots.

    • Reserve and Annual Rents (per acre):

      • Commercial Zone – KSh 6.4 million (premium), KSh 1.28 million (annual rent)

      • Industrial Zone – KSh 7 million (premium), KSh 1.4 million (annual rent)

      • Affordable Housing Zone – KSh 6.4 million (premium), KSh 1.28 million (annual rent)

      • Bus Park – KSh 8 million (premium), KSh 1.28 million (annual rent)

      • ICT Hub – KSh 6.4 million (premium), KSh 1.28 million (annual rent)

      • Primary and Secondary Schools – KSh 6.4 million (premium), KSh 1.28 million (annual rent)

      • Infrastructure plots for water, sewer and power – prices to be based on applicant proposals

      • A 4-acre residential plot – KSh 6.4 million (premium), KSh 1.28 million (annual rent)

    The park will also be registered under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) framework to attract tax incentives and ease of doing business.

  2. Gikono Landfill
    Proposals are invited for the management and development of the landfill under lease terms to be evaluated by the county.

  3. SME Parks
    Smaller investment plots have been set aside in Maragua (9 plots), Kangema (3), Kandara (2), and Kigumo (3).

    • Rate: KSh 1.2 million (stand premium) and KSh 240,000 annual rent per acre.
      These parks will provide space for small manufacturers and local cooperatives ready to scale production.

  4. Export Processing Zone (EPZ)
    Industrial land offered at KSh 10 million premium per acre and KSh 1.4 million annual rent. The county plans to recommend qualified investors to the national Export Processing Zones Authority for formal registration.

How to apply

Interested investors must submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) by 14 October 2025 (close of business). Forms are available on www.muranga.go.ke

Each applicant should pay a non-refundable application fee of KSh 20,000, payable to the Murang’a County Investment Conference account (Equity Bank Limited / M-Pesa Paybill 247247 Acc. 0220286335186).

Applicants must then attach proof of payment to their proposal package.

Evaluation and lease terms

Proposals will be judged on merit — not just on how much an investor is willing to pay. The county says projects that promise greater social and economic impact will receive higher weight during evaluation.

Successful applicants will be offered a 30-year renewable lease once the National Land Commission approves the allocation.

By submitting a proposal, investors show a firm commitment to pay for the land once allocated. The county reserves the right to adjust prices before final approvals are issued.

Transparency and accountability

The county insists that this process will be transparent and inclusive. Investors from the June Investment Conference will not get special treatment; all applications will be reviewed under the same rules.

The county has also made survey maps available for public inspection at the CECM Lands Office in Murang’a County Headquarters.

Officials have emphasized that all allocations will follow the Murang’a County Land Allocation and Lease Management Regulations 2024, ensuring that no single investor monopolizes public land.

Economic impact: jobs, growth and infrastructure

County economists estimate that the projects could inject billions into the local economy over the next five years. With new industrial and SME parks, Murang’a expects higher tax revenue, expanded markets for farmers, and more employment for youth and skilled workers.

The Governor’s administration believes that attracting factories and processing plants will help farmers earn better prices for avocados, macadamia, coffee, and tea — reducing dependence on brokers and adding value locally.

In turn, these revenues will finance rural roads, water projects, and better health facilities.

What this means for small businesses

For local entrepreneurs, the SME parks offer a once-in-a-generation chance to grow. Cooperative groups, startups, and agribusinesses can now lease small parcels at affordable rates and join supply chains feeding the larger industrial park.

County officials have urged Murang’a residents to form consortiums and submit joint proposals to boost competitiveness. Investors who can prove strong community impact, job creation, or innovation will have a clear advantage.

Why governance matters

The county has faced past criticism for land allocation opacity, but this RFP introduces a structured, auditable process. Each bid will pass through the Trade and Lands Departments, and results will be documented before leases are issued.

This system not only protects investors but also safeguards community interests — ensuring that public land benefits the people first.

Special incentives and SEZ registration

Murang’a Industrial Park is being prepared for Special Economic Zone registration, which may qualify investors for tax rebates, duty exemptions, and streamlined licensing. The county hopes these benefits will draw both local and international manufacturers seeking lower setup costs.

Projects previously discussed — such as the Mukuruwa ny Ngathagana CAIPS, MCCU Milk Factory, and Marilla Farm — were dropped from this phase, but consultations are still ongoing.

Next steps and contact points

Investors can inspect the authenticated survey maps at the county headquarters and direct clarifications to:

The county urges all investors to submit proposals early to avoid last-minute system congestion.

A message from Murang’a leadership

According to Governor Irungu Kang’ata, the county’s industrialization plan is not about selling land — it is about creating wealth and transforming livelihoods.

“We want Murang’a to become the hub of value-addition, innovation, and inclusive growth. Every factory we attract, every small park we open, brings us closer to that dream,” he said when unveiling the call for proposals on X (formerly Twitter).

The bigger picture

This RFP is more than a tender notice — it’s a roadmap for Murang’a’s economic renewal. The combination of industrial, SME, and export-processing zones gives investors at every scale a chance to participate.

If implemented well, the plan could turn Murang’a into one of central Kenya’s fastest-growing counties, linking agriculture, manufacturing, and trade into one seamless value chain.

✅ Key Details at a Glance

  • Application Fee: KSh 20,000 (non-refundable)

  • Submission Deadline: 14 October 2025 (Close of Business)

  • Lease Term: 30 years renewable

  • Where to Apply: www.muranga.go.ke

  • Main Sites: Industrial Park, SME Parks, Gikono Landfill, Export Processing Zone

  • Inspection Point: CECM Lands Office, Murang’a County HQs

In summary: Murang’a’s new call for investors brings structure, clarity, and ambition to the county’s growth plan. With transparent leasing, clear pricing, and defined timelines, it offers both opportunity and accountability — a foundation for shared prosperity.

 

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