TATU CITY, Kenya – June 4, 2025 – Emirates Logistics, a prominent player in the global supply chain and logistics sector, has announced its strategic expansion into Kenya with the development of a cutting-edge warehousing facility within Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
No Affiliation with Emirates Airlines:
It is essential to clarify that Emirates Logistics is part of the Sharaf Group and is headquartered in Dubai; it has no direct affiliation with Emirates Airlines. While both entities share a connection to Dubai, they operate independently within their respective industries.
“We are proud to strengthen our presence in Kenya with our expansion to Tatu City, reinforcing Emirates Logistics’ global footprint of comprehensive logistics capabilities,” said Steven van der Vliet, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Logistics. “This new strategic facility is part of our broader commitment to offering world-class infrastructure in key growth markets. Being located at the heart of Kenya’s economic engine allows us to deliver flexible, seamless, and tailor-made logistics solutions that empower both our existing and new customers to thrive.”
George Kapanadze, Group CFO at Rendeavour, the owner and developer of Tatu City SEZ, added,
“Tatu City warmly welcomes Emirates Logistics to its new home in Kenya, where it will thrive in a conducive business environment. As a mixed-use Special Economic Zone, we specialize in attracting foreign direct investment to Kenya in an infrastructure-ready location that offers the services and amenities global investors like Emirates Logistics demand, including housing, retail, schools, parks, and recreation.”
The investment by Emirates Logistics highlights the growing trade relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya. In January 2025, the two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen trade and investment ties between them. Additionally, they both agreed on the use of local currencies in settling cross-border commercial transactions.
Related: UAE and Kenya Forge Stronger Ties with Landmark (CEPA) Trade Deal
The new facility is set to commence construction this year (2025) and will be located at Tatu City SEZ, in Ruiru. Tatu City is home to major brands such as Dormans, Cold Storage, Heineken, Freight Forwarders, and CCI Global.
Setting up the facility in Kenya is a strategic decision to cater to their global clients who have a market in the region.
Key Highlights of Emirates Logistics Setting Up in Kenya:
- Global Reach: Emirates Logistics operates in 15 countries across the GCC, Africa, and Asia, boasting a team of over 4,000 professionals. Setting up in Kenya enables the company to serve its clients with a presence in Africa more effectively and efficiently.
- Diverse Clientele: Emirates Logistics partners with a wide range of businesses, from local enterprises to multinational corporations, across various sectors including fashion, FMCG, oil and gas, automotive, and electronics.
- Strategic Location: Tatu City SEZ offers an infrastructure-ready environment with amenities such as housing, retail, schools, and recreation, making it an attractive hub for foreign direct investment and attracting talent from across the globe.
Benefits of Operating within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ):
Tatu City is designated as a Special Economic Zone. This offers excellent advantages for companies like Emirates Logistics. Let us have a look at some of them:
- Fiscal Incentives: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) often provide tax breaks, customs duty exemptions, and other fiscal incentives to attract foreign investment. In Kenya, imported goods are fully exempt from taxes such as VAT, excise, and import duty. Discover the fiscal benefits of establishing a business in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kenya.
- Streamlined Regulations: Businesses within SEZs typically benefit from simplified administrative procedures and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
- Infrastructure Development: SEZs are designed with robust infrastructure, including reliable power, water, and connectivity, which is crucial for logistics operations. In a place like Tatu City, amenities such as electricity are cheaper as it bulk buys power from Kenya Power and then redistributes it to the various developments, at a more affordable rate than usual.
- Enhanced Competitiveness: The conducive business environment within an SEZ can significantly lower operating costs and improve a company’s competitiveness, ultimately benefiting its bottom line.
Job Creation and Local Impact:
The establishment of this new facility by Emirates Logistics is anticipated to have a positive socio-economic impact, particularly in the area around Ruiru:
- Job Opportunities: The construction and operational phases of the warehouse will generate numerous direct and indirect job opportunities for Kenyans, including roles in facility construction, logistics, warehousing, administration, and support services.
- Economic Boost: The increased commercial activity will stimulate the local economy, benefiting ancillary businesses and service providers in the Ruiru area.
- Skills Development: The presence of an international logistics player will likely lead to the transfer of expertise and the development of specialized skills within the local workforce.
