By B, KNA
Murang’a County Deputy Governor (DG) Stephen Munania has called for establishment of a coordinated national network linking all County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs).
Speaking when he hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Trade and Investments, which was inspecting progress of the project Friday, Munania noted that the move is critical as it will ensure the ambitious programme is commercially viable and export-oriented.
The DG said isolated CAIPs risk underperforming unless they are connected through a shared data and market intelligence system that captures production volumes, quality standards and demand trends in both regional and international markets.
He said a coordinated network would enable counties to populate real-time data on what is being produced, in what quantities and when it is available, while at the same time mapping buyer demand across global markets.
The DG noted that such an approach would help producers avoid gluts, stabilize prices and improve their bargaining power with buyers.
“The future of CAIPs lies in strong interlinkages between producers and the market,” Munania said, adding “When farmers, aggregators, processors and buyers are connected through a reliable network, the entire value chain becomes more efficient. That is the game changer for the successful roll-out of CAIPs.”
He explained that the proposed network would create direct linkages between producers operating within various CAIPs and buyers seeking specific products, ensuring that goods processed in one county can easily access markets beyond local boundaries.
This, he added, would significantly boost export readiness and reduce post-harvest losses.
In Murang’a County, construction of the CAIP is currently at about 15 percent completion.
The project, which is located in the Kabati area had experienced delays, but is now set for faster implementation after the Ministry brought in a new contractor to jumpstart and fast-track the works.
The facility is expected to cost Sh116 million, funds that the national government has already disbursed.
Munania said the county government is working closely with the national government to ensure the project stays on course, noting that Murang’a’s strong agricultural base makes the CAIP a strategic investment.
Once completed, the facility is expected to play a major role in value addition and aggregation for key local produce.
The CAIP programme is a joint initiative being implemented by the two levels of government, amid plans to establish CAIPs in all the 47 counties over a five-year period.
Construction of the facilities began in 2023, with the aim of accelerating agricultural transformation through aggregation, processing and value addition.
So far, 14 CAIPs across the country have been completed and are ready for operationalization.
The facilities are expected to boost the manufacturing sector, enhance agro-industrial development, increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
In Murang’a county, the CAIP will go a long way in strengthening value chains in dairy, mango, coffee, avocado and horticulture farming, sectors that form the backbone of the county’s economy.
Munania expressed optimism that once the proposed inter-county network is operational, local farmers and processors will be better positioned to tap into high-value export markets.
“As counties, we must think beyond our borders. When CAIPs are linked to each other and to the market, farmers win, industries grow and the economy benefits,” the DG remarked.
