Paul Arithi 
Vipingo Development: A New Era of Investment and Modern Living;
Large-scale, mixed-use residential developments offering comprehensive amenities have become increasingly popular in recent years.
These developments aim to provide residents with an enriched living experience by integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within a single, thoughtfully designed community.
The appeal of these mixed-use communities lies in their ability to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of modern urban dwellers.
For companies, investing in or establishing a presence within these mixed-use communities has become an attractive strategy.
At the heart of Kenya’s coastal region, a transformative master-planned community, Vipingo Development– property managed by Centum Investment, is taking shape – redefining the standards of urban development.
Spanning over 10,254 acres, this expansive project offers a diverse array of investment opportunities, from residential homes and serviced plots to commercial, hospitality, and institutional ventures.
Vipingo City is designed as an integrated live-work-play urban environment, free of the infrastructure deficits of neighbouring city centres.
The development features key urban infrastructure, including a 3 Million Litre Capacity per Day Sea Water Desalination Plant & an On-Site Power Substation. Conveniently, located along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway with excellent transport connections via road, air and water.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
The Kenyan government earlier this year granted Centum Investment Company a permit to operate a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) within the Vipingo development.
The move further cements the coastal region’s dominance as a host of such economic hubs, which are designed to drive economic growth through exports and job creation. The Vipingo development is part of Kilifi County’s broader efforts to establish itself as an economic hub in Kenya.
The new SEZ in Vipingo is the 10th such zone licensed in the coastal region out of the 39 approved nationwide this year, according to Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
During the recently concluded Kilifi County International Investment Conference, H.E President William Ruto highlighted the county’s success in attracting thriving Export Processing Zone (EPZ) enterprises.
“Notable firms include Nuts and More Processing (EA) Ltd, which employs 405 workers to process cashew nuts for export, Kenya Tropical Sea Life EPZ Ltd, employing 31 Kenyans to export exotic and ornamental marine fish, Fuhua Kenya EPZ Ltd, producing knitted fabrics and undergarments with 747 employees and Mega Apparel Industries Kenya Ltd, manufacturing woven clothing and providing jobs for 3,309 people,” said the President.
The Vipingo Free Trade Zone, which is part of the larger 6,000-acre master-plan development, is a transformative investment initiative developed through a partnership with Integrated Industrial Platforms with over 36,000 shareholders, and Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms.
“Kilifi has proved to be an economic hub in the country,” added President Ruto, “and the Vipingo Free Trade Zone is a testament to the power of devolution to deliver real, tangible, and transformative outcomes.”
Why Vipingo Development?
Vipingo Development offers an attractive and convenient location for those seeking an exceptional living or investment opportunity.
Easily accessible by the Mombasa-Malindi highway, just 600 meters away, the development is also situated just 1 kilometer from the Vipingo airstrip, which provides twice-daily flights from Nairobi, making it highly accessible from the capital.
Residents and visitors can enjoy a high level of security, with state-of-the-art security installations reinforced by 24-hour police patrols from the nearby Kijipwa police station.
The development also boasts a reliable and sustainable water supply, courtesy of a 3 million liter desalination plant and fully equipped boreholes.
One of the standout features of Vipingo Development is its proximity to key amenities. Residents can reach a golf course, beachfront, shopping mall, school, and hospital all within just 3.5 minutes by car.
Furthermore, the development is situated just minutes away from the picturesque Kuruwitu marine conservancy and the beautiful Vipingo beach, allowing easy access to the area’s natural attractions.
With its unparalleled accessibility, robust infrastructure, comprehensive security, and proximity to both modern conveniences and natural wonders, Vipingo Development stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a premium living experience or a promising investment opportunity in the region.
Sustainable Urban Planning
Centum’s Vipingo’s innovative approach to urban planning is complemented by its comprehensive suite of amenities, catering to the diverse needs of its residents.
The development boasts reliable electricity, constant and fresh water supply, ample parking, and private storage spaces for each apartment.
Residents can enjoy a range of recreational and leisure facilities, including parks, greenways, recreational grounds, a marina, jetty, floating restaurant, and a lake front public promenade and beach.
The community also features a top-tier international educational institution and a conference facility, providing residents with access to world-class educational and business opportunities.
CSR
The company has invested in transforming lives through one of the most powerful tools – Education. Through the Vipingo Scholarship programme, hundreds of students from needy families have benefited from fully paid sponsorships for their secondary school education.
The company also granted 50 scholarships to students from the Vipingo area in Kilifi county through their Vipingo 2024 Scholarship program.
This marks the eighth consecutive year of supporting talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The company currently educates 400 students, investing over KES 15M annually and surpassing KES 100M since the inception of the scholarship program.
Additionally, the development has, over the last 3 years, embarked on a school upgrading program, which has resulted in the building of 10 classrooms at Timboni, Makonde, Kadzinuni, and Mkwajuni Primary Schools within the project neighborhood.
This has enabled over 400 pupils to now have access to high-quality learning infrastructure.
Centum Investment CEO James Mworia said the project’s contribution to Kenya’s attractiveness to foreign investors, commending the government’s efforts in establishing a favourable operating environment through initiatives like Special Economic Zones.
As Kenya continues to strategically position itself as a hub for investment and economic growth, the success of Vipingo Development will serve as a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable development and its ability to attract global capital and talent.
