The national government seeks to promote industrialization in the counties to promote trade, generate employment and reduce poverty.
Investments, Trade and Industry CS Salim Mvurya says the national government has embarked on an ambitious industrial project in the devolved units under the aegis of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP).
Mvurya says the CAIP project aims to increase manufacturing and investments through agro-industries and improve living standards in the 47 counties.
The CS says industrialization is a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focused on inclusive growth by empowering local communities, creating job opportunities and enhancing value addition across the country’s value chain.
He says industrialization has become a key plank in the country’s economic transformation agenda and diversification programme.
Mvurya says his Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to contributing to the economic growth and industrialization of the country.
“The industrial parks seek to create jobs and attract public and private investment into the counties and serve as the cornerstone of efforts to transform local economies,” he said.
The CS stated that the ultimate overarching goal of CAIP is to boost trade and industrialize the counties with manufacturing being a major component.
“My ministry is playing an active role in promoting, facilitating and incentivizing investment in the manufacturing sector besides providing a stable macroeconomic environment,” he said.
Mvurya was speaking when he held talks with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Representative Tally Einav and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani in Kwale County Headquarters.
UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Vienna, Austria that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.
Tally Einav oversees UNIDO’s programmes and projects in Kenya, Comoros, Eritrea, Seychelles and South Sudan.
Since joining UNIDO in 1981 Kenya has engaged in over 100 projects aimed at addressing various economic sectors, policy, institutional and enterprise challenges.
Mvurya says they have discussed the program for county partnership, an innovative initiative aimed at accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries.
He stated that by leveraging the county partnership his ministry aims to integrate the CAIPs initiative to enhance local production capacity, create jobs and facilitate access to both domestic and international markets.
“UNIDOs support will be crucial in providing technical assistance, capacity building and investment facilitation to ensure the success of the county industrial parks,” he said.
He noted UNIDO offered numerous opportunities for collaboration in sustainable investment, focusing on industrialization, circular economy, and climate resilience, further enhancing the county’s growth trajectory.
“Investment promotion is a key driver for the success of CAIPs, and my ministry upholds an open-door policy for county governments looking to expand their investment portfolios and value chains,” he said.
He added, “by leveraging partnerships and aligning with global best practices, we can create transformative opportunities for the people of Kwale.”
Tally Einav of UNIDO, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support Kwale’s industrialization goals through technical expertise and capacity building.
“We are here to ensure that industrial growth aligns with global standards for sustainability and resilience,” Tally stated.
Achani says the construction of the Sh. 75 million Kwale County’s Industrial Park is progressing well.
Achani says they have already made significant progress in identifying unique value chains like seaweed farming, food processing, and eco-tourism, which hold potential to transform into bankable projects that will boost livelihoods and stimulate economic development in the coastal county.
“Our focus is to attract investments that will not only spur industrial growth, but also prioritize climate resilience and sustainability for our communities,” she said.
She said the talks with CS Mvurya and UNIDO team led by Tally Einav revolved around critical issues including investment promotion, industrialization and climate resilience, underscoring Kwale’s commitment to sustainable development.
“Key on the agenda was the ongoing development of the Kwale Industrial Park, a project aimed at transforming the county into an industrial and economic hub”, she said.
Achani says the industrial park is a priority project that will keep expanding as industries position their businesses there.
She says the county government will be providing the necessary infrastructure for the site to thrive such as construction of roads, drainage and electricity.
Achani says industrial parks serve as the cornerstone for growth and economic development as they attract businesses that fuels job creation, enhances competitiveness and fosters sustainable business growth.
By Hussein Abdullahi