Ambassador Guo Haiyan Visits Tatu City, Hails It as Model of China-Kenya Economic Cooperation
The Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, has lauded Tatu City as a model for deepening China-Kenya economic relations during her official visit to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in Kiambu County.
Ambassador Guo toured the fast-growing SEZ to assess development progress, engage with Chinese investors operating within the city, and explore new areas of bilateral cooperation in trade, industry, and technology.
Her visit underscores China’s growing interest in Kenya’s SEZ framework as a strategic investment avenue in East Africa.
Tatu City currently hosts seven major Chinese enterprises with a combined investment of over USD 400 million, collectively generating more than 10,000 jobs. The companies span various sectors such as textiles, automotive, renewable energy, construction, healthcare, and real estate.
Notable Chinese firms operating in the city include FullCare Medical SEZ, Tianlong Cylinder Company, Sinotruk Kenya, Stecol Corporation (PowerChina), Peonystar Kenya Limited, and Kyanite Investment.
“Tatu City showcases the true spirit of the China-Kenya partnership: practical, innovative, and focused on development,” said Ambassador Guo. “The presence of Chinese companies here not only deepens our trade relations but also contributes significantly to Kenya’s industrial growth and employment.”
Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour the developer behind Tatu City noted the city’s strong engagement with Chinese partners. “Tatu City has become the destination of choice for Chinese enterprises in East Africa. We’ve built a secure, world-class ecosystem that fosters growth and investment,” he said.
In recognition of the unique needs of Chinese investors, Tatu City has established a China Desk team dedicated to ensuring seamless communication, cultural alignment, and fast-track support. This approach has helped accelerate the entry and expansion of Chinese firms in the zone.
Looking ahead, Tatu City expects the number of Chinese enterprises to grow to more than 15 by 2026, with expansion into pharmaceuticals, smart logistics, electronics assembly, traditional Chinese medicine, and education.
Beyond Chinese investors, Tatu City is home to more than 100 companies, including global and regional players such as Heineken, Emirates Logistics, Cold Solutions, Dormans, CCI Global, NCBA, and Naivas. The city welcomes over 25,000 people daily who live, work, and study in its integrated urban space.
Firms operating within Tatu City SEZ benefit from a host of government-backed incentives, including reduced corporate tax rates 10 percent for the first decade and 15 percent for the second alongside VAT zero-rating, and exemptions on import and stamp duties.
As Kenya deepens its economic engagement with global partners, Tatu City is increasingly being viewed as a blueprint for industrial transformation and foreign direct investment attraction with China firmly at the center of this momentum.
