A Chinese company, Zhende Medical Limited, is planning to invest over Ksh 26 billion (USD 180 billion) in constructing East Africa’s largest medical facility at Tatu City in Kiambu County, Kenya. This investment was revealed during an event held on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, which was attended by President William Ruto.
Zhende Medical, a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, will establish production facilities at Tatu City and the nearby Oaklands development. This move aligns with the company’s goal to expand its operations and hire approximately 7,000 Kenyan employees. Moreover, Zhende aims to export medical products valued at Ksh 48 billion (USD 320 million) annually, extending its distribution of critical medical supplies within Sub-Saharan Africa.
Lu Jianguo, the chairman of Zhende Medical, highlighted that their decision to set up this facility in Kenya was the result of a thorough analysis of potential host countries. He emphasized their commitment to promoting Kenya’s healthcare industry, fostering local talent, and strengthening collaboration between Kenya and multinational corporations.
The selected locations at Tatu City and Oaklands encompass over 60 acres of prime land with top-tier infrastructure, convenient transport access, and economic incentives. The Tatu Industrial Park, where Zhende’s first facility will be operational by January 2024, is East Africa’s largest light manufacturing and logistics zone, accommodating over 75 Kenyan, regional, and multinational companies. Additionally, it is Kenya’s first operational Special Economic Zone, providing advantages like low corporate taxes, import duty exemptions, zero-rated VAT, and zero withholding tax.
