Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African infrastructure developer and operator, is hosting the inaugural Kenya Investment Forum on 15 and 16 September 2025, in Kilifi County. The forum, powered by ARISE IIP, spotlights the company’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s industrial transformation through Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
At the heart of ARISE IIP’s strategy in Kenya is the revitalization of the cotton and textile value chain. Since 2023, the company has distributed over 1,560 tonnes of certified cotton seeds to farmers and played a central role in shaping Kenya’s Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Policy. Building on this foundation, ARISE IIP is pursuing modernizing existing textile plants while also preparing to launch a new state-of-the-art garment and industrial textile facility at the Vipingo SEZ. These investments are expected to create thousands of jobs, expand export opportunities, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a competitive textile hub on the continent.
Beyond textiles, ARISE IIP is targeting other high-impact industries in Kenya. These include renewable energy, with projects in solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass; automobile assembly and EV production to drive the country’s mobility future; pharmaceuticals, including local drug manufacturing and health tech innovation; heavy and light manufacturing in agro-processing, consumer goods, and industrial equipment; logistics and warehousing with integrated supply chain and port-adjacent solutions; recycling and circular economy initiatives to address waste management; and minerals, through value addition for resources such as titanium and limestone. Together, the focus areas demonstrate ARISE IIP’s holistic approach to industrialization, innovation, and sustainability.
George Olaka, Group Chief Financial Officer of ARISE IIP and CEO of ARISE IIP Kenya, affirmed the company’s long-term vision: “At ARISE, our core mandate is transformation. Transformation of raw materials into finished goods. Transformation of unemployment into opportunities. Transformation of Africa’s narrative—from a continent that exports commodities, to one that exports finished products.”
The company’s success in Gabon, Benin, and Togo, where ARISE IIP has developed thriving SEZs that have attracted billions in investment and created hundreds of thousands of jobs, provides a proven blueprint for Kenya. The upcoming Vipingo Special Economic Zone, a partnership with Centum, will replicate this model, transforming Kilifi County into a world-class industrial hub.
James Mworia, CEO of Centum and Chair of Vipingo SEZ, called for bold vision and strong partnerships to drive Kenya’s industrial future, saying: “From building a cashew nut industrial pipeline to tackling water challenges, investing in affordable energy with LaGas, and supporting youth through 500+ scholarships — Centum is proving that growth and impact go hand in hand. Vipingo is the product, and Arise IIP is the partner we were waiting on to ensure its success.”
Mr. Hassan Abubakar Hassan, CBS, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industrialisation, said: “We continue to engage with the private sector to address the emerging business challenges, noting recently you held a Private Sector Round Table to further understand and address emerging issues. As a Ministry, we are also working to strengthen the Private Sector by coming up with a Policy and legal framework for the Chambers in Kenya.
The groundbreaking of the Vipingo Special Economic Zone project will take place on September 16, 2025, in a ceremony to be presided over by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, marking a decisive step in Kenya’s industrialization journey.
The company’s capacity to deliver large-scale industrial infrastructure has been further buoyed by a recently completed USD 700 million capital raise, where they welcomed Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer, into its shareholder base.
ARISE IIP’s Kenya Investment Forum brings together partners, including Centum Investment Company, Afreximbank, the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, among other private and public sector players, to chart a way forward for Kenya’s industrialization. ARISE IIP has also hinted at further investment announcements to be made during the Forum, signaling its continued commitment to building industries that drive Kenya’s long-term economic growth.
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