The construction of Kakamega County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Likuyani Sub-County is gathering pace, with county officials expressing confidence that the project will unlock investment, create jobs and boost value addition for agricultural produce.
The industrial park, a partnership between the National Government and the County Government of Kakamega, is expected to drive agro-processing and manufacturing, providing farmers with a ready market while strengthening the county’s industrial base.
County Chief Officer for Public Works Pascal Omukanda during an inspection tour of the project with a team of technical officers to assess the progress of construction and ensure implementation expressed satisfaction with the progress made and directed the contractor to complete the works within the agreed timelines.
“Timely completion of this project is critical. Any unnecessary delays will increase costs and place an additional financial burden on the county government,” he said.
The Chief Officer noted that the industrial park is expected to generate hundreds of direct jobs in engineering, manufacturing, machine operation, administration and maintenance, while creating thousands of indirect opportunities in transport, logistics, packaging, security, hospitality and other support services.
Omukanda said the facility will also attract private investors in agro-processing and manufacturing, enabling farmers to earn better returns through value addition instead of selling raw agricultural produce.
Governor Fernandes Barasa equally reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to delivering the project.
Speaking during a church service and fundraiser at Ivugwi P.A.G. Church in Likuyani Ward on Sunday, the Governor described the industrial park as a transformative investment that will spur economic growth and position Kakamega as a leading manufacturing hub in western Kenya.
Barasa said the facility is expected to create close to 1,000 jobs once operational by attracting investors in agro-processing and other manufacturing industries, while offering local farmers a reliable market for value-added products.
He said the county government is working closely with the National Government to ensure the project is completed on schedule so that residents can begin benefiting from the investment.
Once operational, the industrial park will accommodate agro-processing plants, warehouses, cold storage facilities and packaging units, helping reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product quality and improve the competitiveness of Kakamega’s agricultural produce.
Residents of Likuyani have welcomed the project, expressing hope that it will stimulate local businesses, create employment opportunities for young people and accelerate economic development across the sub-county.
The County Aggregation and Industrial Park programme is a flagship national initiative aimed at promoting manufacturing, attracting private investment and accelerating industrialisation across Kenya, with the Likuyani facility expected to play a key role in transforming the economy of Kakamega County.
By Linet Wafula
