Homa Bay County is seeking potential investment partnerships with the United Kingdom in the agriculture and health sectors ahead of the upcoming second County International Investment Conference (HOBIIC).
With the HOBIIC just around the corner, the county seeks to attract investments in value chains such as horticulture, aquaculture, cotton, and edible oil.
Governor Gladys Wanga who spoke during a press conference today accompanied by the UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan said the county is seeking partnerships that will enhance and promote food security and resolve a myriad of issues affecting the people.
Wanga said the UK government is partnering with the county in the HOBIIC because they cannot rely solely on the public sector, adding, “We have come to the recognition that the public sector alone cannot resolve all the myriad of issues affecting our people.”
She further noted a potential investment partnership with the UK’s largest agribusiness firm dubbed the United Green Group.
The governor also cited the collaboration between Homa Bay and the UK through Population Services Kenya (PSK) aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes.
“We have put a lot of focus on health because Homa Bay is among the counties with the highest levels of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality. We are pleased with PSK for its efforts in handling reproductive health here,” she said.
On his part, Wigan pledged technical support for Homa Bay saying, “As a government, we will offer technical assistance and send a delegation to the conference to seek opportunities here.”
He further promised to encourage other British firms to explore investment opportunities in Homa Bay.
“I want to encourage British firms to seize the key value chain opportunities in Homabay and make investments,” he said.
By Sitna Omar
