The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki held a meeting with governors on Monday to review the progress of the first set of 19 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs).
The meeting was led by Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi.
Kindiki highlighted that construction of the first 19 CAIPs is nearing completion, while work on the second set of 16 CAIPs is already underway.
He emphasized that alongside building the physical infrastructure, effective planning, coordination, and mobilization of stakeholders, including investors, are essential for the production and marketing of the products to be processed for value addition.
The Deputy President reassured that the national government will continue working closely with county governments to establish one CAIP in each county.
On January 6, Kindiki had stated that once completed, the CAIPs will boost Kenya’s manufacturing sector, particularly in Agro-Industries, and will contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
The first phase of the project cost Sh4.7 billion, with part of the funds allocated for coordination and support activities.
He mentioned that the national government, in collaboration with county governments and other stakeholders, has made notable progress in the first phase of the CAIPs. The 19 counties involved in this phase include Busia, Bungoma, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Migori, Homabay, Siaya, Kwale, Nyamira, Meru, Garissa, Mombasa, Machakos, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, and Embu. The first phase budget of Sh4.7 billion includes Sh4.5 billion for the CAIP establishments and Sh200 million for coordination, monitoring, and county support.
Manufacturing is a key focus of the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to have one CAIP in each of Kenya’s 47 counties.
Kindiki also conducted a review on the construction status of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs), including addressing challenges at the Dongo Kundu (Mombasa), Samburu (Kwale), Naivasha, and Njoro (Nakuru) locations. He reported that the construction of SEZs/EPZs in Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Eldoret, and Busia is 50% complete and is expected to finish by June 30, 2025.
The government is expediting the provision of necessary infrastructure such as access roads, water, electricity, and ICT facilities, as well as identifying lead investors to ensure that these SEZs/EPZs are operational immediately after construction.
