Leaders from Kiambu and Murang’a counties have agreed to deepen inter-county collaboration in a move aimed at transforming the two regions into a unified economic bloc.
The decision follows a high-level consultative meeting that brought together senior county officials and private sector stakeholders, including veteran businessman Dr Peter Munga.
The leaders said the partnership marks a shift from traditional, boundary-based administration to a coordinated development approach designed to maximise shared resources and boost economic growth.
Central to the agreement is the adoption of integrated budgetary planning, with the two counties committing to pool resources for joint infrastructure projects. These include road networks and water systems that will serve residents across both counties.
Officials noted that aligning their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) will help eliminate duplication, cut costs and enhance efficiency in service delivery.
The partnership will also focus on strengthening agricultural and industrial value chains, particularly in tea, coffee and dairy production, which are key economic drivers in both counties.
Plans are underway to establish joint processing hubs along the border to reduce post-harvest losses and increase value addition.
The counties also intend to harmonise regulatory frameworks, including levies and permits, to ease the movement of goods and services and create a seamless trading environment.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the initiative is aimed at removing economic barriers and enhancing regional competitiveness.
“Our goal is to ensure that the people of Murang’a and Kiambu benefit from a seamless economic corridor,” he said.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi emphasised the need for collaboration, saying working jointly will improve project implementation and accountability.
“The days of working in isolation are over. Through such engagements, we ensure that public resources are utilised efficiently for the benefit of our residents,” he said.
Dr Munga highlighted the importance of private sector involvement, noting that access to capital and supportive financial systems are key to sustainable development.
He said aligning government strategies with financial expertise will help expand credit access, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The leaders expressed optimism that the initiative will create a conducive investment environment, spur job creation and serve as a model for inter-county cooperation across the country.
By Faustine Agnes
