Development
Kiambu county government is at an advanced stage of commencing the contraction of a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) at Waruhiu farm in Githunguri Sub County, The park will serve as a hub for agricultural processing and manufacturing, providing a link between farmers, industries and the markets.
The County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) project is a collaborative effort between the State Department for Industry and the Council of Governors (COG), which is in line with Kenya’s long term development BluePrint with the Vision 2030 aiming at transforming Kenya into an Industrialized Middle-income country offering a high quality life for all citizens.
During his tour to the CAIP at Waruhiu farm, Kiambu CECM for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism and Investments Mburu Kangethe, said the commencement of the construction works at the farm marks a huge milestone as the contractor completes clearing and levelling of the project site and embarking on excavation works.
“The County Government of Kiambu will contribute Sh250 million towards the initiative this financial year, a sum that will be matched by the National Government as well,” said Kangethe. He added that the strategic location of CAIP at Waruhiu farm will serve as a boon for the farmers and primary producers as it will offer facilities for collection, storage, sorting, and even primary processing and value addition.
“The ripple effect of these developments will not only provide employment opportunities for the youth but also boost exports, thereby strengthening the economy of Kiambu County, “she said. The CECM for further cited that the park will also offer an opportunity for farmers to learn about various aspects of agriculture and agribusiness from different Agro professionals and companies.
CECM Trade, Industrialization, Tourism and Investments Mburu Kangethe and the Directorate of Industrialization accompanied the Kiambu County – CAIP CIT team to toured the County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Waruhiu farm in Githunguri sub county to assess the progress of the facility.
“Over the years, the growth of manufacturing sector has remained stagnant at around 11 percent of the GDP over the past ten years,” said Kangethe.
She added: “CAIP promises to grow manufacturing and investments through Agro-Industries and enhance productivity of the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner hence providing a platform where farmers, processors, exporters, research institutions, industrial bodies and government can engage for agro-industrial development”
This comes just a week after the National Government released Sh1.12 billion on Monday June 13, 2024 meant for 17 counties currently implementing the CAIP projects under phase one of the program. Kiambu County was among the 17, while others included Migori, Mombasa, Busia, Meru, Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Machakos, Siaya, Murang’a, Trans Nzoia, Embu, Uasin-Gishu, Nandi, Nakuru and Garissa.
While releasing the funds Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the government through its Bottom -Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plans to raise the contribution of manufacturing to Kenya’s GDP from the current 7pc to 15pc by 2027 and to 20pc by 2030 while increasing exports from 10pc of the GDP to 30pc by the year 2025.