COUNTY GOVERNMENT FAST-TRACKS COMPLETION OF COUNTY AGGREGATION AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS, STRENGTHENS INVESTOR AFTERCARE
The County Government of Kakamega has stepped up efforts to fast-track the completion and operationalization of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) while strengthening investor aftercare initiatives aimed at accelerating industrialization, value addition, job creation and economic growth.
A multi-sectoral team led by the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialization and Tourism, Mr. Godfrey Owuori, conducted an inspection of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks before visiting key private investments in Likuyani and Lugari sub-counties under the County Government’s investor aftercare programme coordinated by the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA).
The delegation included the Chief Officer for Resource Mobilization, Partnerships and Donor Relations and Ag. CEO of KCIDA, Dr. George Barack Otieno; Chief Officer for Public Works, Mr. Pascal Were; Chief Officer for Technical Services, Mr. Isaack Maalim; and technical officers from KCIDA and the Departments of Trade, Industrialization and Tourism; Roads, Public Works and Energy; and Lands, Housing, Urban Areas and Physical Planning.
At the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, the team assessed construction progress, which currently stands at 60 per cent, with completion expected by December 2026. The facility comprises eight blocks, including four value addition and processing units and four agricultural aggregation centres. Once operational, the park will support value chains such as maize, avocado, sunflower, soya beans, bananas and coffee, while serving Kakamega and neighbouring counties, including Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu. Its strategic location is expected to position it as a regional hub for agro-processing, trade and investment, with KCIDA leading its operationalization and investor facilitation.
The team also visited FUKA Animal Feed Processing Plant and Jinsen Wood International to strengthen partnerships with existing investors, assess business progress and address challenges affecting their operations.
At FUKA Animal Feed Processing Plant, the investor commended the County Government for improving access roads, electricity, water and security, which have enhanced the company’s operations. The company has employed 34 local residents, sources maize from farmers within Kakamega and neighbouring counties, and has completed the installation of modern animal feed processing equipment pending KEBS certification. Plans are underway to expand into dairy processing and galvanized products. Farmers were encouraged to supply maize directly to the company during the current harvesting season for prompt payment upon delivery.
At Jinsen Wood International, the team toured the plywood manufacturing plant, which produces 3-ply, 6-ply, 9-ply and marine boards using eucalyptus sourced from local farmers. The company processes about 150 tonnes of timber daily, pays suppliers within an hour after delivery and weighing, has employed more than 200 young people and engages between 30 and 50 casual workers daily depending on operational demand.
Speaking during the visits, Mr. Owuori said the County Government is committed to completing strategic industrial projects on schedule while providing continuous support to existing investors. He noted that improving infrastructure, strengthening investor confidence and addressing operational challenges remain key to attracting new investments, creating employment opportunities and positioning Kakamega as Western Kenya’s preferred investment destination.