The Republic of Italy has initiated talks with the County Government of Kisumu to roll out investments in various sectors in the area.
Italian Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya Lorenza Gambacorta said the negotiations will see investors from Italy set base in Kisumu to roll out programmes in agriculture, health and tourism.
Gambacorta who paid a courtesy call on Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili in his office said Italy was keen to tap into Kisumu’s huge investment opportunities.
Kisumu, she added, was a vibrant city adding that the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) was following up on the engagements started during the Investment Forum held in the city last year to formalize areas of collaboration.
“We are not only seeking to collaborate on development but on direct investment as well,” she said.
Italy, she said, has a long history of collaborating with Kenya in different sectors adding that the partnership with Kisumu will leverage on the experience to actualize the dream for the two parties.
“We had very meaningful engagements during the Afri-Cities conference and that is why we are here to make a follow-up on the same,” she said.
Dr. Owili lauded the partnership which he said will go a long way in unlocking Kisumu’s untapped potential.
Kisumu, he added, was already partnering with Italy through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on food security which he said has impacted positively on the locals.
“Our goal is to produce enough for domestic consumption and for export. The partnership we have has shown positive outcomes,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
