NAIROBI, Kenya – The establishment of a One-Stop Land Commercialisation Office, the gazettement of Galana Kulalu as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and the acceleration of private sector involvement in unlocking idle public land nationwide are just a few of the extensive reforms announced by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, which will reposition Kenya’s potential for large-scale farming.
The decision to designate Galana Kulalu as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will provide strong investment incentives, draw in international agribusiness players, and expedite value addition in edible oils, cereals, horticulture, livestock, and industrial crops, according to CS Kagwe, who spoke at a briefing on ongoing agricultural transformation efforts.
For investors operating within the large block, the SEZ classification will also provide for tax advantages, streamlined regulatory approvals, and improved infrastructure support.
To ensure that all accessible public land contributes to national food security, manufacturing, and job development, the CS also said that the government will now extend the Land Commercialisation Initiative (LCI) to include idle land in counties, prison farms, and other government institutions. Kagwe stated:
“Kenya cannot afford idle land while we are importing food.” “All counties must bring forward land that can be productive, and we will work with private investors to unlock its full value.”
The Ministry created a One-Stop LCI Office that now unifies all approval procedures in an effort to eliminate bureaucratic hold-ups that have traditionally hindered agricultural investment. Investors would be able to purchase land for agricultural endeavours through this method within a month, according to CS Kagwe.
What is the significance of the Nyumba Group
This step is anticipated to significantly boost Kenya’s competitiveness as an agri-investment destination.
The ultimate game-changer for Kenya’s agricultural future, according to Kagwe, would be private sector investment, particularly capital-intensive projects that generate employment. He cited Nyumba Group as a prime illustration of what dedicated investors can accomplish under LCI.
The company, which has leased 300,000 acres, has already invested over USD 50 million (about Sh7.5 billion) in developing the farm and creating irrigation infrastructure. Their initiative has so far created more than 3,000 jobs, giving livelihoods and promoting economic activity in the coastal region.
Nyumba Group’s transformation includes the opening and preparation of 20,000 acres, large-scale production of edible oil crops and food crops, and installation of dams, canals, and massive irrigation systems—demonstrating the practical success of the Government’s commercialisation agenda.
How the leasing of the Galana Kulalu land is being done
Currently, the Ministry is leasing 1.8 million acres of land to private investors under the LCI framework, making it the largest coordinated land commercialisation effort in Kenya’s history.
These leases target high-potential zones for edible oils, cereal production, horticulture, livestock feed, irrigated agriculture, and agro-industrial development.
CS Kagwe reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to a results-driven land strategy that ensures Kenya becomes food secure, export competitive, and an attractive destination for serious agricultural investors.
“The era of idle land is over,” he said. “This initiative will create jobs, grow industries, attract capital and secure our nation’s agricultural future.”
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