𝐊𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐀 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒

H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa had the honour to host various Top Executives, National Government officials, Development Partners and Representatives of Diplomatic Missions at a Pre-Conference Breakfast Meeting for the forthcoming Inaugural Kakamega International Investment Conference (KAIICO 2024), in Nairobi this morning under the Theme “Fostering Partnerships for KAIICO 2024.”

The Governor engaged in discussions on diverse investment opportunities in Kakamega, highlighting the County Government’s strategic initiatives to position itself as the investment destination of choice in the Lake Region Economic Bloc and the whole Country.

Governor Barasa also revealed that his administration is working around the clock to ensure it has the right infrastructure to attract investments and sustainable partnerships. Top on the list is the expansion of the Kakamega Airstrip to an International Airport. Once complete, the facility will provide efficient means of transport hence boosting business in the region.

In collaboration with the National Government, the County has put effort towards the completion of Bukhungu International Stadium ahead of CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027. It recently received a boost of Ksh. 1 Billion from the National Government to facilitate Phase III of construction works. A complete stadium to international standards will translate into an influx of investments in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

The County has also intensified its conservation efforts of the Kakamega Forest, one of Africa’s two remaining tropical rainforests. The protection and preservation of this unique ecosystem will enhance Kakamega’s tourism sector, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The event concluded with the official launch of #KAIICO2024, set to host over 2,000 delegates from 19th to 22nd March, 2024 at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) where the Governor was honoured to register as Delegate 001.

In his closing remarks, the Governor appreciated key partners for gracing the prestigious event, and the several institutions that have already started giving their support towards the event.

At the occasion, the Governor received cheques of Ksh. 7.5 Million from CPF, a commitment to sponsor the event to the tune of over KSh. 3 Million from Safaricom, KSh2.5 Million from KCB, KShs 1Million each from I.L.O and EIDU, KSh 0.5 Million from both ShantaGold and the Agency and Voice of the Private Sector (AVPS).

Similarly, many organizations gave commitments to support the initiative through sponsorships and registering as exhibitors and delegates.

KCIC, KAM, KNCCI, NETFUND, USAID, Britam, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya vision 2030, Public Private Partnerships, National Treasury, Ministry of investments, Trade and Industry, among other partners committed to sponsor and support in resource mobilization through their networks.

Delegates can now begin registering this early by logging into kaiico.com

Present were the Deputy Governor Hon. Ayub Savula, who is also the Chair of the resource Mobilisation Committee of the conference, County Assembly delegates led by the Speaker Rt. Hon. James Namatsi, various County officials including CECMs, CS&HPS, County Attorney, COS, COs led by CPA Samson Otieno-Economic Planning and Dr. Barrack Otieno of Resource Mobilization, the Board of Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA) coordinated by CEO Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, Directors, among other dignitaries.