Gov't supporting eight counties to realize industrialization dream - DP Kindiki

Prof. Kindiki said Wajir, Garissa, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu, Busia, Migori and Kisii have zeroed in on what products their CAIPs will focus on as they are finalized for commissioning.

“I am happy to inform the country that the eight counties have put in a lot of effort to reach this level. Both the National and County Governments have worked so hard and by December this year, we are looking forward towards commissioning of the first eight CAIPs,” DP said.

The Deputy President on Wednesday at the Official Residence in Karen received the final report on the technical preparedness of the CAIPs.

 During the meeting attended by Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment senior officials, respective Governors and other stakeholders, the DP assured the counties that the government will fully support them to become industrial hotspots that will elevate the nation’s manufacturing goals.

Wajir will be concentrating on camel milk and leather production while Garissa will focus on sunflower oil production. Kirinyaga County will be concentrating on tomato paste, which is an agricultural value-added product and Embu and Meru will start with macadamia as they grow to other value chains. 

Additionally, Busia will be doing cassava starch production as Migori ventures into fish feeds and rice value addition while Kisii will be working on avocado as a start.

Prof. Kindiki said preparations are underway to open CAIP in Meru with plans afoot to commission the other seven before the end of the year.

 “This meeting has decided that, subject to a number of adjustments and finalization of certain documentation and legal procedures, the Meru CAIP can be commissioned within the month of September,” he noted.

While stressing the government’s interest in the success of the programme, the DP said the CAIPs will catapult Kenya’s quest for industrialization challenging other counties to follow suit.

“We are almost there where we are able to crack the jinx of lack of industrial growth. We had stagnated for a long time in realizing industrial and manufacturing capacity and these CAIPs are going to offer the first step towards a new Kenya, an industrial Kenya,” he noted.

 The administration’s unwavering commitment to agriculture reforms both in crop and animal sub sectors, Prof. Kindiki explained, is key to ensuring vital supply of raw materials for long-term sustainability of the CAIPs.

 “The CAIPs get enough raw materials, the farmers get income and a very exciting future for Kenya,” he said.

At the same time, Prof. Kindiki said the government is fully prepared for the El Nino rains forecasted for October-December saying preventive measures are being rolled out to avert losses.

“We are procuring and pre-positioning food, non-food and other relief supplies that need to be positioned nearer to the areas where those supplies will be required,” DP said.