ARISE IIP-Kenya Investment Forum 2025
The ARISE IIP-Kenya Investment Forum 2025 commenced today at Vipingo Ridge, convening senior government officials, global and local investors, development partners, and private sector leaders for a two-day engagement focused on advancing Kenya’s industrialization agenda.
Organized by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) in collaboration with the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and other strategic partners, the forum runs from September 15th to 16th, 2025, providing a platform to explore investment opportunities and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading industrial hub in Africa.
The event seeks to position Kenya’s industrial parks as competitive destinations for global investors, attract capital inflows to accelerate growth in manufacturing and related sectors, and build investor confidence by spotlighting Kenya’s economic resilience and its emergence as a premier investment hub in Africa.
Vipingo Special Economic Zone
In December 2024 at Vipingo Ridge the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the presence of His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, the President of Kenya activating the project that has led to this illustrious event. The Kilifi County International Investment Conference (KCIIC) was a milestone event at Vipingo Ridge: Great success at International Investment Conference.
On the first day of the Arise IIP-Kenya Forum, Mr. George Olaka, Group CFO of Arise IIP and CEO of Arise IIP-Kenya, emphasized the human dimension of industrial development:
“When we build an SEZ, we are not simply laying concrete and steel; we are laying the foundation for dignity, skills, and jobs,” he remarked.
Highlighting the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a partnership between Arise IIP, Centum Investments, and SEZA, Mr. Olaka noted that beyond infrastructure, the project is designed to create employment opportunities for youth in the coastal region, unlocking pathways for economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Kilifi on the International Investment Stage
The high-profile event has attracted a number of important investment stakeholders to Kilifi.
Speaking at the official launch of the Vipingo Special Economic Zone, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, CBS, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing a conducive business environment, strengthened by improved infrastructure and continued public–private collaboration:
“This is the right time to further enable investors through the establishment of Special Economic Zones and Export Processing Zones to rapidly transform the economy.”
In her address, Ms. Tally Einav, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Country Representative, underscored the importance of collaboration in building sustainable industries. “Sustainable industrialization requires strong partnerships between government, private sector, and development partners. Together, we can create investment ecosystems that unlock jobs, value chains, and inclusive growth,” she said, reaffirming UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s industrial transformation through close collaboration with KenInvest, SEZA, and Arise IIP.
Representing Kilifi, H.E. Flora M. Chibule, Deputy Governor, Kilifi County affirmed Kilifi’s readiness to anchor the coastal investment corridors, with the transformative Vipingo Special Economic Zone as a flagship project showcasing the county’s investment potential:
“Kilifi welcomes all of you. We invite you to walk with us, to build with us, to prosper with us. Pamoja, tujenge Kilifi.”
Vipingo Ridge: Investment Forum Venue
Hosting the Arise IIP-Kenya Investment Forum at Vipingo Ridge reflects our venue’s growing reputation as a hub for high-level business and investment gatherings.
Beyond its reputation as a lifestyle destination, Vipingo Ridge has strategically positioned itself within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, offering world-class facilities, a secure environment, and a strategic location near Mombasa Port and key infrastructure corridors. This positioning was recently recognized at the Africa MICE Summit Awards 2025, where Vipingo Ridge was a finalist in the ‘Best MICE Destination in Africa’ category, underscoring its growing influence on the continental stage.
International Delegate Experience
Starting with a Welcome Dinner for the delegates staying within Vipingo Ridge, in our Signature Villas and Private Villas on Sunday 14th September, the Arise IIP-Kenya team hosted a delightful evening in our traditional Makuti structure, including local entertainment, creating a great first impression to international investors visiting Kilifi.
Over the next two days, participants will engage in panel discussions, investment showcases, and networking sessions designed to chart a roadmap for Kenya’s next phase of industrial expansion. Each evening delegates will enjoy networking events at a private cocktail party under the stars and with access to the PGA Baobab Course, the networking continues.
With the involvement of both public and private stakeholders, the forum is expected to catalyse new partnerships that will strengthen Kenya’s role as a driver of industrial growth in Africa. As Kenya advances its industrialization agenda, the ARISE IIP-Kenya Investment Forum 2025 at Vipingo Ridge serves as a landmark venue to connect ideas, capital, and opportunities for sustainable economic transformation.
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