Kwale county government is set to establish a Sh750 million industrial park to further boost investment and economic growth in the coastal county.
The Kwale County Aggregation and Industrial Park will help unlock the area’s agricultural potential by adding value to cassava, tomatoes, cashew nuts and other farm produce.
The main objective of County aggregation and Industrial Parks is to grow manufacturing and investments through Agro-Industries and enhance productivity of agriculture sector in a sustainable manner hence creating inclusive decent jobs, increase farmers’ income; Increase foreign exchange, provide platform where farmers, processors, exporters, research institutions, industrial bodies and Government can engage for agro-industrial development.
Governor Fatuma Achani stated that the new project will create job opportunities for the people and enhance the economic and revenue base of the devolved government.
She pointed out that in today’s rapidly evolving business environment the need for well-equipped and strategically designed industrial parks has become more crucial than ever.
The Governor said the project has kicked off in earnest in the Mwananyamala area of Lunga Lunga Sub County and once completed will enhance the ease of doing business in the region.
She said the county government has already pumped Sh500 million to kick start the phase one of the project noting that a number of investors have already indicated interest in the project.
Achani stated that the industrial park will entail value addition of investment opportunities in the agricultural sector adding that African eye bird chilies, green grams, cashew nuts, tomatoes and cassava are among the agricultural products that will be value added to generate more revenues to the local farmers.
“Industrial parks are an ideal catalyst for industrialization and economic development as they help put into place an infrastructure that fosters and attracts entrepreneurs of all scales,” she said, adding that industrialization is the way to go to safeguard the future generation.
The Governor said the industrial park will also provide a platform for the development of agro-processing industries and enabling farmers to add value to their agricultural produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
She added that the expansive industrial hub promises to revolutionize Kwale’s economic landscape by accommodating various enterprises, fostering job opportunities, and enhancing the county’s competitiveness.
“This will not only boost the agricultural sector but also contribute to food and nutrition security and poverty reduction in our region,” she said.
The Governor noted that her administration has spearheaded the development of the industrial park as a means to attract investments, foster economic growth and create employment opportunities for the youth while ensuring business diversification in the region.
Achani said Kwale is open to investors who will assist in driving her administration’s vision of making the county a one-stop-shop for trade, commerce and manufacturing.
The coastal county boss said phase one of the industrial park was progressing well and disclosed that once fully completed it will go a long way in economic expansion and job creation.
President William Ruto who paid a working visit to the construction site of the county’s industrial park last week pledged a further Sh250 million from the national government.
President Ruto termed the new industrial park as a catalyst for development and expressed happiness with the level of work done so far.
“I want to commend Governor Achani for this noble project that will provide investment opportunities to Kwale residents and we are keen to support such investments,” he said, commending the vision and economic drive of the governor.
President Ruto noted that industrial parks are a crucial step towards economic development and industrialization in any part of the country as they attract domestic and international investors which will then contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
“The County Industrial Parks will boost our country’s foreign exchange earnings, create jobs for thousands of the youth and increase our farmers’ income,’ said the president.
The Governor said the industrial park is a priority project that will keep expanding as industries position their businesses there.
She said the county government will be providing the necessary infrastructure for the site to thrive such as construction of roads, drainage and electricity.
The Governor pointed out that 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
