Mvurya Hands Over to Lee Kinyanjui a Vision for Seamless Transition and National Progress
The outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Investment , Trade and Industry Affairs Salim Mvurya has officially passed the mantle to the incoming Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui marking a key moment of continuity in government as both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and a shared vision for national development.
Speaking on Monday during the handover, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs,Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya expressed confidence in Kinyanjui’s ability to lead the ministry to new heights.
“Having served as a governor, Member of Parliament and assistant minister, his leadership will undoubtedly drive reforms and strengthen ongoing initiatives in this ministry.”he noted.
Mvurya outlined several critical programs that Kinyanjui is expected to prioritize including the rural industrialization program, which aims to boost local economies through partnerships with counties. While the initiative initially targeted 19 counties, plans are underway to expand it to all 47, fostering inclusive growth nationwide.
He highlighted special economic zones (SEZs) as another key area of growth stating that currently, there are 38 SEZs across the country, including public zones in Mombasa, Naivasha, and Dongo Kundu, alongside private zones.
The zones are instrumental in driving export-oriented industrialization. Additionally, he stated that the export processing zones (EPZs) remain a cornerstone of economic expansion, with six flagship zones already operational and five more under development.
“As you take over, addressing pending issues such as land acquisition for two zones will be critical,” Mvurya added.
Mvurya also stressed the importance of capitalizing on newly signed trade agreements. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional agreements that have opened new markets for Kenyan products. Recent partnerships, such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, provide opportunities for Kenya’s agricultural and livestock products to penetrate Middle Eastern markets.
Similarly, ongoing negotiations with the U.S. under a Strategic Investment Partnership Agreement are expected to attract foreign investments and expand trade.He noted that in the past year, significant strides had been made in creating a conducive business environment.
The enactment of the Business Laws Amendment Act and ongoing legislative reforms aim to enhance ease of doing business. “Investment has risen to Ksh 230 billion, with a steady inflow of both foreign and domestic investors. This progress must continue under your leadership,” he stated.
Mvurya underscored the importance of teamwork across ministries to achieve national objectives. He pledged his continued support, emphasizing a Government approach to tackling challenges and delivering results.
“The President’s commitment to transforming this country requires all of us to work as a team. I’m confident that the CEOs, directors and professionals in this sector will fully support you in delivering on your mandate,” he assured.
Making his remarks ,the Neely appointed Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, expressed gratitude for the guidance and pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. His experience and collaborative leadership style are expected to drive the Ministry toward achieving its ambitious goals.
“As Kenya continues its journey toward economic transformation, this seamless transition promises continuity, innovation and a renewed commitment to building a thriving nation,” he said, emphasizing on the need for mechanisms to support industries adapting to technological shifts and economic challenges.
He acknowledged that some businesses may close as technology advances, hence calling for proactive measures to ensure industry resilience and mitigate negative impacts on employment and investments.
He assured the government’s plans to collaborate with parliament and industry stakeholders to introduce reforms including predictable taxation and regulatory frameworks, to foster stability. Kinyanjui highlighted Kenya’s untapped potential in utilizing economic partnership agreements with the European Union (EU) and UAE, stressing the importance of aligning local industries to benefit from expanded markets.
He also emphasized the need to boost local manufacturing, ensure product quality and safety and strengthen the economy by increasing exports as well as expressing optimism that these measures would create jobs, enhance economic stability and position Kenya as a competitive player in the global market.
