Governor Waiguru invites investors to Kirinyaga, says county is ripe for an agro-industrial revolution
Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru, has invited investors to the county saying that the county has the necessary infrastructure to support investment in manufacturing and agro-processing.
While opening the Kirinyaga Business and agricultural expo in Mwea on Friday, the governor said that Kirinyaga being an agricultural county has many opportunities that can be exploited by investors who want to venture in manufacturing and agro processing. She said the county’s critical infrastructure has greatly improved given that the county now boasts of many kilometers of tarmac roads and electricity and water connection across the county. She noted that the upcoming Kenol-Marua dual carriage that traverses the county is also a game changer as long as investment is concerned. She said that a proposed hydro power project that the county will be implementing will lead to reduced cost of production for the manufacturers, adding that her administration has also been keen on supporting the locals increase on agricultural productivity as well as adding value to their produce to earn more money.
Waiguru said that the expo was a noble initiative that gives the county an opportunity to showcase what it is made of, noting that the county has come a long way in growing the capacity to host and support the growth of diverse enterprises. “This expo brings together different stakeholders, all showcasing their products and services and there’s something of interest to everybody. It is an opportunity to create networks, share experiences, and learn from one another with the aim of broadening business and agricultural perspectives”, said the governor. She noted that it was also an opportunity for upcoming entrepreneurs to get exposed to and interact with leading industry players, learn from them and get exposure to current trends and technologies.
“As a county government we recognize that large companies as well as Small and Medium Enterprises play a critical role in our county’s socio-economic development. We are therefore committed to providing a conducive business environment for investors”, she said. She pointed out that the county government has been keen on improving major towns through construction of cabro car parks and pavements as well as construction of markets and installation of street lights in urban centers to ensure that traders transact their business in a conducive environment. “We are very passionate on promotion of agribusiness, value addition and manufacturing within our county and we will putting up a tomato factory that will enable our farmers add value to their produce for more income. She added that a rice husks factory will be put up utilize the byproducts of rice among other crops, to manufacture furniture boards, which presents an investment opportunity in the carpentry and furniture industry.
On industrialization, Waiguru said that the 250 acre Thigirici land in Sagana is available for various developments. “We intend to put up an industrial park as well as a sports facility. The land is located close to critical supporting infrastructure such as the Railway Station and the Kenol-Marua dual carriage. We look forward to partnering with private investors in implementation of the industrial park master plan” she said.
The affordable housing project that is being implemented in the county was also mentioned as ripe public private partnership opportunity.
