Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has welcomed both local and foreign investments in the coastal county for sustained economic growth.
Mvurya said his administration is keen to woo and promote private sector investment in a bid to stimulate the economy through job creation and trade activities on the road to post Covid-19 recovery.
He said investors keen to boost jobs and economic development are welcome to explore the opportunities available noting that the local leadership is committed towards ‘economic progress and business friendliness’.
The two-term governor said the devolved unit is ready to welcome investors in various sectors of the economy because of the immense benefits they come with.
He said his administration has since 2013 put in place various policies and incentives aimed at creating a conducive environment for private sector investment to flourish.
Kwale, he said is endowed with immense investment opportunities such as in agriculture, fisheries and mining which need to be explored by both local and foreign investors.
“As a devolved unit we are working hard to attract investments in diverse sectors and demonstrate that we are open for business,” he said adding that they will not only bring technological transfer but also skills to locals.
Mvurya spoke when he paid a courtesy call to the Romika shoe factory in Mvindeni area of Ukunda Township in Msambweni Sub County.
“This company has given chances to our youth to learn and process German quality shoes in Kwale County and we will continue to partner with other investors as well as create a conducive environment to work,” he said.
The Sh.150 million factory that produces shoes under the brand name Romika has been opened by Josef Seibel Group, a leading German shoe manufacturer in November 2020.
The Romika brand has an ambitious motto- German quality, Made in Kenya. The county boss and his entourage were received by Josef Seibel chief executive officer Stefan Wentzel.
He thanked the Josef Seibel Group for setting up base in Kwale despite the challenging economic environment amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
“We are very proud of our relationship with Josef Seibel Group and look forward to welcoming more investments and businesses” said Mvurya.
CEO Wentzel said the shoemaking factory has already employed over 200 persons adding that the factory also acts as a training and empowerment centre for local shoemakers.
He said prior to the launch of the factory, the company sent five Kenyans to Germany to train in the art of shoe making and design and they are in turn training workers.
By Hussein Abdullahi
