Waiguru pledges continued support for business-friendly policies to attract industrial investments

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has committed to continuing the implementation of business-friendly policies to attract more industrial investments to the county.

She said the county has made significant progress toward economic transformation as more value-addition industries continue to establish factories in the devolved unit.

Speaking during the official launch of a new flour milling factory in the county, Waiguru said her administration has created a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

“Kirinyaga is the new frontier for investment due to the conducive environment we have created. You do not need to know anyone to set up a business in Kirinyaga,” Waiguru stated.

She noted that in addition to investing in infrastructure, modernising towns, and enacting business-friendly policies, the availability of raw materials for production is drawing investors to Kirinyaga.

The governor was speaking during the launch of the state-of-the-art Nice Extra Premium Millers and a new branch of Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in Wang’uru town, Mwea.

The dual unveiling marks a turning point for the county, positioning it as a magnet for investors, industrialists, and financial institutions. It comes just a month after a wheat milling plant was launched in Kutus.

Addressing a packed audience of dignitaries, business leaders, farmers, and local residents, Governor Waiguru hailed the event as a testament to Kirinyaga’s economic growth and industrial potential. She emphasized that the launch of the milling plant and the bank branch goes beyond ceremonial ribbon-cutting, reflecting a county undergoing rapid transformation and poised to compete as a regional economic powerhouse.

“It is with great joy and pride that we mark these two milestones today. Kirinyaga is becoming an investment-friendly hub, attracting agro-industrial ventures and financial institutions because of its strategic location, affordable workforce, and deliberate policies geared towards growth,” said the governor, underscoring the county’s strategic development agenda, including the Sagana Agro-Industrial City.

She highlighted that these developments are a testament to the county’s rising economic potential, industrial progress, and commitment to empowering residents. She noted that the new milling plant will provide a guaranteed market for farm produce, in line with the county’s vision of increasing farmers’ incomes.

On the opening of the DTB branch, Waiguru described it as a strategic financial move that signifies growing confidence in the county’s economic viability. She called it a bridge to financial empowerment, pointing out that access to banking and credit facilities will boost local entrepreneurship, support farmer cooperatives, and strengthen small businesses in the county.

The governor also outlined the county government’s broader development achievements, including the cabro-paving of car parks in key market towns, the upgrading of markets, establishment of tomato propagation centers, construction of modern healthcare facilities, and the building of a modern fire station in Kutus. She emphasized that these infrastructure improvements are part of a deliberate strategy to attract investment, support trade, and improve the quality of life for residents.

She urged partners and investors to consider setting up in Kirinyaga, noting that with its people, good policies, and vast potential, the future is not only promising but already unfolding. The county is no longer just defined by its rice paddies, she said, but is now a bold, dynamic, and rapidly emerging investment hub that is gaining national recognition.

The Nice Extra Premium Millers, owned by renowned entrepreneur Charles Njiru-Mukombozi, is a multi-million-shilling agro-processing plant with an initial daily production capacity of 250 tons of premium maize flour and an employment capacity of over 1,000 people.

Mukombozi, who also owns Nice Rice Millers and the acclaimed Nice Digital City, spoke passionately about his journey from humble beginnings and pledged to expand into wheat milling and animal feed production within the next five months.

“This is not just a business; it is a platform for empowerment, job creation, and a celebration of what is possible when vision meets support,” said Mukombozi, paying tribute to his family, staff, and business partners for their unwavering support.

He also commended the County Government of Kirinyaga for fostering an environment in which private enterprises can thrive. “Governor Waiguru has made it possible for investors like me to believe in Kirinyaga. Her leadership is not only visionary, but also enabling,” said the investor.

Raphael Onyango, DTB Director of Corporate Banking, also praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, noting the provision of safer, cleaner, and more orderly towns. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting regional economies and promoting inclusive financial growth.

Similar sentiments were echoed by business magnate Kimani Rugendo, Chairman of Kevian Kenya, who described Kirinyaga as “an investor-friendly county whose leadership has shown commitment to fostering partnerships that spur development, create jobs, and improve access to essential services for the county’s residents.”