KAKAMEGA TO PARTNER WITH CHINA IN DEVELOPMENT

Plans are underway to see the fruition of a development partnership between the County Government of Kakamega and investors from China. The five year plan will first focus on key investment opportunities in health, agriculture and education sectors before spreading wings to other departments like transport and housing.

In a first consultative meeting on fact finding between the Chinese investors and senior officers of Kakamega County government held today at the county headquarters, the CEC Member for Health Services lauded the visitors for their interest and vision to invest in Kakamega County. She pointed out some key areas for investment which include supply of pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals, ophthalmology and orthopedic appliances, equiping the almost complete phase 1 of the County Teaching and Referral Hospital, capacity building programs for Health staff like special training and health exchange programs among others.

This entry meeting comes after a one week workshop in China dubbed ‘Africa-China Forum for Economic month Growth’ held in Saikang early this month where the Kakamega County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo represented H.E the Governor of Kakamega and Chair COG Hon. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya. The CS welcomed the investors and promised a conducive environment and full support of the government and the residents of Kakamega in implementing mega projects across the county, which she said will be a game changer in Kenya and Africa.

Once the two parties actualize a memorandum of understanding, Kakamega County will fast realize most of her development plans such as agri-business manufacturing, development of a vibrant dairy plant, metal fabrications and identified scholarships. This will improve residents’ lifestyle and the economy of Kakamega county.

The Chinese team led by the General Manager of Yunnan Zhonghe Industrial Company He Wang and Dr. Abdi Mohammed, also toured the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital project and the County General Hospital where they appreciated efforts put in place by the county government in achieving quality universal healthcare.

Also present were CECMs Mr. Geoffrey Omulayi (Finance & Planning), Mr. Joseph Indire (Education), Mr. Kassim Were (Industrialization), County Government Doctors as well as other Health Experts and staff of the Investment Department.