Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has assented to three bills aimed at streamlining Kenya’s economic environment for business and investments.
Ruto signed the Income Tax Bill, the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, and the Technopolis Bill into law at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, May 11.
The head of state said the new laws will strengthen Kenya’s position as an attractive investment destination.
“We are streamlining our laws to strengthen Kenya’s position as an attractive investment destination by creating a more efficient, predictable, and competitive business environment. I have assented to the Income Tax Bill, the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, and the Technopolis Bill at State House,” said Ruto.
The new Income Tax Act seeks to rationalise the administration of Capital Gains Tax and align Kenya’s tax regime with international best practice and principles of taxation.
Special Economic Zones Act will enhance Kenya’s competitiveness by expanding the scope of special economic zones to include oil and gas zones, and harmonising the tax incentives applicable to entities undertaking activities within the zones.
Ruto stated that the law also strengthens the special economic zones framework by aligning it with the operational realities of large-scale capital investments through the provision of a minimum licence tenure of 10 years to accommodate long project cycles associated with such investments.
“The legislation further expands the scope of special economic zones to support strategic sectors of the economy, including agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, advanced technology production, and petroleum operations,” he added.
Technopolis Act will establish a comprehensive legal framework for the creation, development, and governance of technopolises in Kenya.
It also seeks to position Kenya as a leading destination for technology-driven enterprises, innovation, and research by establishing integrated one-stop hubs for the efficient delivery of government services.
The new law is expected to attract global investment, talent, and innovation while accelerating Kenya’s transition into a knowledge-based digital economy.
The signing of the laws came amid the Africa Forward Summit 2026, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.
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