Konza targets 10,000 factory jobs as first textile maker starts production in its EPZ

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Konza Technopolis is targeting 10,000 jobs as its first industrial investor, Lucky DJX, starts producing fabrics in the technology city’s Export Processing Zone in Machakos County, The Standard reported on October 29, 2026. The target is an ambition, not a current headcount: it depends on how many factories set up and how fast they grow.

What is happening at Konza

• Textiles first: Lucky DJX, one of the zone’s first industrial investors, has shifted from construction to textile production, making fabric for everyday clothing.
• More sectors wanted: Konza is courting manufacturers of electronics, solar products and accessories.
• Ready infrastructure: about 40km of internal roads, power distribution, water treatment and a wastewater reclamation system are in place, so factories do not have to build their own utilities.

John Paul Okwiri, chief executive of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority, said the EPZ can host several factories and support more jobs as investors arrive.

Konza Technopolis jobs: who could benefit

Beyond factory floors, manufacturing could create work for transporters, food vendors, suppliers and service providers. Businesses in nearby towns along the Nairobi-Mombasa road could see higher demand. Traders setting up near Konza will need county licences; see our guide to Machakos County business permit fees.

Matching training to what manufacturers need will decide how many young Kenyans actually get the jobs. TVET institutions in Machakos and Makueni could partner with investors on machine operation, textile technology and maintenance skills.

Konza’s wider plans

Konza is also expanding its national data centre, which is near full, through a private partner; read Treasury’s data centre expansion deal. A KSh80 billion nuclear research reactor for medical isotopes is also planned there; see our report on the reactor plan.

Reality check

Konza has been in development for well over a decade, and job targets have often run ahead of delivery. The new textile line is a concrete step, but the 10,000 figure will only be met if more factories sign up and start production. Watch for named investors, investment amounts and actual hiring numbers.

FAQ

How many jobs will Konza create?

Konza targets 10,000 jobs, but this depends on the number and scale of factories established.

Which company is producing at Konza?

Lucky DJX has started textile production in the Konza EPZ.

Updated October 31, 2026.