The ongoing second Homa Bay International Investment Conference has drawn diverse partners and is expected to boost investment opportunities in the county.
Governor Gladys Wanga said they were focused on fostering three key value chains including agriculture, blue economy, and the health Sector as the major potential of economic growth.
Speaking at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay Town during the event, Wanga said her administration was prioritising the revival of cotton production in the county.
“We are aiming to be leaders in cotton production and produce 50 percent of the cotton produced in this country,” she affirmed.
In addition, the governor stated that 37,000 farmers in the county have been registered on 42,000 acres to achieve the lead goal.
She further said that the conference is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Homa Bay, in fostering economic growth and nurturing innovation across all sectors.
US ambassador, Meg Whitman who is one of the key partners, echoed Governor Wanga’s sentiments saying that Homa Bay is well endowed with the resources to spearhead cotton production in Kenya due to the high demand of cotton globally.
She acknowledged the governor’s effort to attract investors to Foster economic growth.
The Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru, said that all the county governments are in sync with the national agenda of bolstering the country’s production capacity to revitalise key sectors aiming to enhance productivity and lower the cost of living.
“Every county government has identified key value chain opportunities and are working with the private sectors and stakeholders to bring investments in the county,” she affirmed.
Waiguru hailed the role of the private sector as partner in transforming the counties through investment.
She further stated that the conference serves as a beacon of progress, not just for Homa Bay County, but for the entire nation.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Alfred Mutua urged investors to tap on the rich tourism sector in Homa Bay which has got 80 percent shoreline of Lake Victoria in the country that can be maximally utilised to serve as a tourist attraction.
He said his ministry was partnering with the Homa bay County Government and investors to establish crew ships at Lake Victoria, to attract more tourists.
The CS further commended Governor Wanga for the county’s growth since her election.
The Conference was attended by various leaders including the CS for Blue Economy, Salim Mvurya, and Majority leader for the national assembly Kimani Ichungwa, among other leaders and Investors.
By Daisy Marcy and Davis Langat
