The Embu County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) is almost complete and set to be operationalised in three months’ time.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Investments, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said he was satisfied with the progress of work and also the quality.
The Embu CAIP currently ranks second nationally in terms of completion, with construction standing at 88% complete, positioning the county as a frontrunner in agro-industrial development.
He gave the county the nod to onboard investors into the facility as it nears completion, noting that a number of them had shown interest in setting base there.
Speaking on Thursday when he toured the facility located in Machang’a area in Mbeere South Constituency, CS Kinyanjui said it has the capacity of creating 10, 000 jobs directly and indirectly.
He hailed the facility that is among other 17 being constructed across the country as a game-changer in unlocking the country’s potential in value addition, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
“The Embu Industrial Park is a shining example of what industrial parks should look like. I commend Governor Cecily Mbarire for her leadership in driving the project, now 88% complete,” he said.
CS Kinyanjui described the Embu CAIP as a benchmark project that will redefine industrial parks in Kenya.
At the same time, the CS called on the locals to take advantage of the common user facility to add value to their harvests before sale, as processed products fetch at least five times the value of raw produce.
The CS noted availability of funding for those intending to procure manufacturing equipment, noting that the environment for growing manufacturing in the country was ripe.
He urged the investors to think beyond agro-processing to start other ventures, noting that the internet that will be provided at the facility would also present opportunities for Business Process Outsourcing.
He assured of government’s support in fast-tracking it’s operationalization through acquisition of equipment through the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC).
On her part, Governor Cecily Mbarire said the facility will focus on key agricultural products in the county including mangoes, avocados, honey, and coffee.
“This park represents the future of agribusiness in Embu. Once complete, it will empower our farmers by providing ready markets, improving earnings, and creating jobs for our youth,” she noted.
She affirmed her administration’s commitment in fast-tracking its operationalization so that locals can begin to reap its benefits.
The Governor noted the strategic positioning of the CAIP, saying intercounty trade will allow them to aggregate more products in the neighboring counties of Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Kitui.
By Samuel Waititu
