The Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre (Trific) SEZ, a subsidiary of Centum Investment Company, an East African-focused investment firm controlled by the family of late Kenyan tycoon Chris Kirubi, has received Sh6 billion ($46.7 million) from Vantage Capital to expand its facilities in Nairobi’s Gigiri area.
The funds will be used to acquire and develop office space within the Trific SEZ, which includes the existing Trific North Tower, which spans 14,975 square meters, as well as a new office tower that will add 76,800 square meters of leasable space. This project intends to improve Trific SEZ’s ability to attract global and regional businesses looking to leverage on Kenya’s favorable business environment.
“We are excited about the potential that this funding brings to enhance our offerings at Trific SEZ,” said Brenda Mbathi, CEO of Trific SEZ, highlighting the project’s strategic importance. The development is projected to boost job growth and foreign direct investment, with forecasts predicting 10,000 new employment and a $65 million inflow of foreign direct investment each year.
The Trific North Tower has already received bookings from 14 SEZ firms in a variety of sectors, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), shared service centers, regional offices, and investment holdings. Additional businesses are in the works, enticed by Trific SEZ’s integrated ecosystem of residential areas, dining alternatives, retail establishments, and entertainment facilities.
James Mworia, CEO of Centum Investment, emphasized the project’s critical role in increasing Kenya’s appeal to overseas investors. “This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging SEZ frameworks to create a competitive business environment,” said Mr. Johnson.
Trific SEZ’s holistic approach is consistent with the government’s goals to promote economic growth through specialized zones. By providing modern infrastructure and regulatory support, Trific SEZ hopes to establish itself as a hub for service-oriented enterprises seeking access to worldwide markets.
The late Chris Kirubi, a notable Kenyan tycoon and former Centum Investment shareholder, was instrumental in developing the company’s strategy. Following his death in June 2021, his children, Robert Kirubi and Mary-Ann Musangi, acquired his significant wealth, which included holdings in Centum Investment and other prominent organizations.