Murang’a County is stepping up efforts to attract more investors by showcasing progress in industrial development and positioning the Makenji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a key driver of economic growth.
The Murang’a Budget and Economic Council (MBEC), comprising business leaders, professionals, academicians and public servants, has reviewed the county’s economic progress as it prepares to host its second Investors Dinner later this month.
The consultative meeting held on Friday provided an opportunity for members to assess the county’s industrialization strategy, ongoing flagship projects and developments at the Makenji SEZ, where some investors have already started operations.
Businessman Jimnah Mbaru said the council was encouraged by the progress made, particularly the county’s efforts to create an environment capable of attracting and retaining investors.
Mbaru observed that the developments at Makenji demonstrated that Murang’a was steadily positioning itself to benefit from industrial investment and create more economic opportunities for residents.
Kakuzi PLC Managing Director Chris Flowers commended the county government for bringing together professionals and business leaders to provide ideas and expertise on economic development.
He said such partnerships were important in helping the county identify opportunities, address investment challenges and strengthen its competitiveness.
Ambassador Muthoni Gichohi, a member of the council, noted that Murang’a had significant potential to attract industrial investments, noting that the inaugural investors conference had already started yielding results.
She expressed optimism that the second investors dinner would build on the gains made and attract additional local and international investors.
The county’s investment strategy is anchored on leveraging its agricultural base, strategic location and expanding infrastructure to promote value addition, manufacturing and other enterprises.
The Makenji SEZ is expected to play a central role in this strategy by providing serviced industrial land and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
More than 55 percent of the available industrial land at the zone has already been allocated to successful applicants following the inaugural investors conference held last year, an indication of growing investor interest in the county.
The second Investors Dinner is expected to provide a platform for the county to showcase available investment opportunities, engage potential investors and strengthen partnerships with the private sector.
Members of MBEC say continued collaboration between government, businesses and professionals will be critical in turning the county’s investment potential into actual enterprises, jobs and increased economic activity.
By Bernard Munyao/Purity Mugo
