Turkana County has unveiled an implementation roadmap for the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), marking a major step towards accelerating agro-industrialisation and wealth creation across the county.
The roadmap was launched during a multi-stakeholder consultative workshop that brought together county and national government officials, private sector players, development partners, and community-based organisations to align efforts towards industrial development.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Governor Dr John Erus said sustainable wealth creation in Turkana depends on strong institutions and strategic investment in locally adaptable technologies to build a stable and resilient economy.
“Robust wealth creation in Turkana can only be achieved through institutions working together,” said Dr Erus. “Complementary investments in critical infrastructure, such as reverse osmosis plants, and the development of the fish and fisheries value chain remain durable, long-term economic solutions for the county.”
He noted that the county is pursuing deliberate economic enhancement and industrial development to grow its own-source revenue from Sh 1.7 billion to Sh 4.4 billion.
The Deputy Governor added that the county, in collaboration with the national government, has actively engaged the private sector to spur infrastructure development.
“As a result of these partnerships, the Lokichoggio abattoir is expected to be operational before the end of this year,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender and Tourism, James Longole Wangiros, described CAIPs as a transformative initiative that will position Turkana as a competitive industrial hub.
“This project will open up Turkana to the world,” said Longole. “The county has vast untapped potential in livestock, Lake Turkana resources, minerals, energy, and expansive land. CAIPs will enable aggregation, value addition, and job creation for our people.”
County Chief Officer for Trade and Enterprise Management, Pauline Tangarae, said the CAIPs project will cost about Sh 500 million, jointly funded by the County Government and the National Government.
“The land for the project has already been acquired and meets all required criteria,” she said. “It is located within a 10-kilometre radius and has access to roads, water, and energy.”
Tangarae added that the county is working closely with the departments of Environment, Energy and Minerals to provide technical support for smooth implementation.
She noted that the timing of the project is critical given Turkana’s rapid population growth and expanding economic activities.
Representing the State Department for Investment, Trade and Industrialisation, Kenneth Kimutai reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
“The National Government will work hand in hand with the County Government of Turkana to ensure the success of the CAIPs project,” said Kimutai. “This collaboration is key to promoting value addition, boosting local industries, and advancing Kenya’s industrialisation agenda at the county level.”
The CAIPs initiative is expected to enhance aggregation, processing, and value addition of agricultural and livestock products, improve market access, and stimulate inclusive economic growth across Turkana County.
The workshop brought together representatives from institutions including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEA) Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), research institutions, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
Also in attendance were Deputy County Secretary for Government Affairs Dr Albert Gamoe, chief officers Robert Loyelei (sports and vocational training), Joseph Elim Epuu (gender and youth affairs), Mark Achila (roads and transport), Dominic Emathe (LCRH and Referrals) Winston Ebei (public works), Vincent Palor (MSEA) and a host of county directors.
By Peter Gitonga
