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Machakos Export Processing Zone
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The Machakos Export Processing Zone (EPZ), located in Athi River, is the primary industrial flagship of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) in Kenya. Established in the early 1990s, the zone provides a business-friendly environment with tax holidays and duty-free incentives for companies focused on manufacturing for the global market. The zone is most famous for its spirited garment and textile sector, which utilizes the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to export high-quality apparel to the United States and Europe. Beyond textiles, it hosts diverse industries including food processing, horticultural exports, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its strategic location along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and proximity to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminal provides unparalleled logistical advantages for the movement of raw materials and finished goods. The Machakos EPZ is a major socio-economic driver, employing tens of thousands of workers, a large percentage of whom are women. Ongoing expansion projects aim to integrate more value-addition processes to further solidify Kenya's position as a regional manufacturing powerhouse.
- Location: Kenya
- Nearby: Kangundo (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 27 | 63 | 118 | 70 | 22 | 16 | 21 | 19 | 67 | 113 | 80 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Machakos Export Processing Zone is an industrial hub attracting foreign investment in manufacturing and agro-processing. It drives economic development in eastern Kenya.
Visiting
The zone is a secured industrial area, not open to the public. From surrounding roads, however, factory buildings and warehouses are visible.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the A109 highway passing the zone. From the hills east of Machakos, the entire industrial area is visible.
Local products
In Machakos, processed agricultural goods like packaged beans, grains, and cut flowers are produced. Local markets offer fresh produce from nearby farms.
Active season
The export processing zone operates year-round, with peaks during main harvest seasons (July-October and January-March). Overseas demand drives production cycles.
Nearby
Combine the visit with Machakos National Park, known for its birdlife. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park and the city of Nairobi are also within reach.
Geography
Facts
- Location: Athi River, Machakos County
- Established: 1990
- Primary market: Global exports (major AGOA beneficiary)
- Lead industry: Apparel and textile manufacturing
- Logistics: Strategic access to the SGR and Nairobi-Mombasa highway
- Employment: Supports over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Machakos Export Processing Zone (1)
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Frequently asked questions
What is Machakos EPZ?
It is an Export Processing Zone in Athi River where goods are manufactured tax-free for the global market.
What is mainly produced in the zone?
Textile and apparel industries dominate here, with many products exported to the USA.
Is the zone open to visitors?
It is a secured industrial area; official permission is required for a visit.
Where exactly is the EPZ located?
It is located in Athi River, about 30 kilometers southeast of Nairobi along the Mombasa highway.
Why is this location economically important?
It creates thousands of jobs and attracts foreign investment to Kenya through various incentives.
Machakos Export Processing Zone: where is it located?
Machakos Export Processing Zone is located in Kenya.
Machakos Export Processing Zone: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Machakos Export Processing Zone: why is it worth visiting?
The Machakos Export Processing Zone (EPZ), located in Athi River, is the primary industrial flagship of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) in Kenya.
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