Senators demand answers from Trade CS over stalled industrial parks

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has been formally summoned by the Senate to appear on April 2, 2026, following his failure to attend a previously scheduled hearing on the rollout of County Aggregated Industrial Parks.

Senators are seeking explanations for the delays and want detailed information on how the projects are being executed across the country.

The Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism had invited CS Kinyanjui  on Tuesday to update them on the status of all county industrial parks, but he did not attend, prompting a formal summons. Lawmakers are pressing the Ministry to provide clarity on project timelines and the overall framework guiding the initiative.

In their communication, the Committee asked for a comprehensive status report on each industrial park, including all feasibility studies carried out to date. They also requested copies of Environmental Impact Assessments conducted by the respective counties to ensure projects meet statutory requirements.

Senators further want CS Kinyanjui to explain how the industrial parks will operate as part of a sustainable ecosystem that contributes to Kenya’s industrial and economic growth. The governance and oversight structure of the parks is also under scrutiny, with lawmakers seeking clarity on management responsibilities.

The Committee has demanded confirmation that all counties have established special-purpose accounts at the Central Bank, where both the county governments’ contribution of Sh250 million and the National Government’s matching Sh250 million have been deposited.

Lawmakers are also requesting details on how the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, county governments, and the Kenya Development Corporation will collaborate in equipping and running the industrial parks. The Ministry is expected to outline operational frameworks, funding channels, and coordination mechanisms.

Following his absence from the original briefing, CS Kinyanjui is now required to appear before the Senate committee on April 2 to answer questions and provide a roadmap for the timely implementation of the county industrial parks.