A Chinese company Zhende Medical Limited is set to spend northwards of Ksh26 billion (USD 180 billion) setting up the largest medical facility in East Africa at Tatu City, Kiambu County.
In a statement on Tuesday, Tatu City, a 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone, announced that the company that trades on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, will build production facilities at the site and its neighboring Oaklands development.
The project was announced on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing at a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto.
“I would like to appreciate Zhende Medical for its decision to set up in Kenya and Tatu City,” stated the Head of State.
“I am highly encouraged by the evidence demonstrated here that the Chinese business community is fully attuned to Kenya’s immense potential as the dynamic and most highly promising destination for investment.”
The event was also attended by Ambassador Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs.
As part of its expansion, Zhende intends to hire 7,000 Kenyans and has set a goal of exporting Ksh48 billion (USD320 million) worth of products every year.
The company also intends to expand its distribution of critical medical supplies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Lu Jianguo, chairman of Zhende Medical, noted that the decision to set up the facility was reached after a careful analysis of possible host countries.
“After extensive evaluation of markets and site locations, we have selected Kenya and Tatu City as the base for our global expansion,” noted Jianguo.
“We are committed to promoting the development of Kenya's healthcare industry, cultivating local talent and increasing cooperation between Kenya and multinational companies.”
The locations at Tatu City and Oaklands total more than 60 acres of prime land with world-class infrastructure, seamless transport access and economic incentives.
Tatu Industrial Park, where Zhende’s first facility will be commissioned in January 2024, is the largest light manufacturing and logistics zone in East Africa, with more than 75 Kenyan, regional and multi-national companies.
It is also Kenya’s first operational Special Economic Zone, offering low corporate taxes, import duty exemptions, zero-rated VAT and zero withholding tax.
