Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata is charting an ambitious course to transform his county into a leading industrial hub in Kenya. In a strategic and visionary move, the governor will engage the Kenyan diaspora in the United States through investment forums in Washington and Boston.
Known for his visibility and diligence, Kang’ata has championed grassroots development and transformative governance. His hands-on approach and reformist agenda have earned him admiration as a standout leader among Kenya’s devolved units.
Ahead of the meetings, Kang’ata highlighted investment opportunities in Murang’a, focusing on manufacturing, healthcare, technology, agriculture, sports, and recreation. “Countries must transition from primary production to value addition and manufacturing to grow economically,” he said. “This is how the West became prosperous and East Asia lifted millions out of poverty in a generation.”
The events, scheduled for April 26 and 27 in Washington and Massachusetts, respectively, will precede the Murang’a Investment Conference 2025, set for 13–14 June at Thika Greens Golf Resort. Themed Unlocking Murang’a as an Industrial Hub, the conference will unite local and international investors, business leaders, government representatives, and industry stakeholders.
Central to the investment agenda is the Murang’a Industrial Park, a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with zones for light–heavy industries, agro-processing, health (Murang’a Medicity), and technology and innovation hubs. Spanning a 276-acre industrial block, a 75-acre healthcare-focused site, and a 23-acre tech park, the project aims to drive job creation, knowledge transfer, and sustained economic growth.
The county will also promote its County Aggregation and Industrial Parks initiative, a farmer-focused programme supporting value addition, efficient logistics, and market access. Additional prospects include sports infrastructure, affordable housing, schools, and public utilities.
Kang’ata believes these platforms will strengthen public-private partnerships and engage a new generation of local, foreign, and diaspora investors. “This is about building lasting partnerships that will define Murang’a’s development for decades,” he said.
The governor’s clear-eyed vision and tireless advocacy are revitalizing Murang’a’s economic future. If successful, Kang’ata’s vision could position Murang’a as a beacon of industrial advancement and inclusive growth, a model for effective devolution.
