By MKT Reporter
The construction of the Nakuru County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) at Ngongongeri Farm in Njoro Sub-County has resumed after a two-year hiatus.
According to Dr. Samuel Mwaura, County Secretary and Head of Public Service, the project is currently 15% complete, with support from the national government helping to overcome previous delays.
The over Sh 3 billion initiative is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs upon completion.
Dr. Mwaura noted that some initial work has been completed, including site clearance, mass excavation, foundation excavation, and the establishment of an administration block. Ongoing tasks include constructing the slab, roofing, and wall installation for warehouses and other structures.
The industrial park aims to transform the Central Rift region into a key commercial hub, hosting various industries such as ICT, energy, engineering, and chemicals. Essential infrastructure like power, water, and a ring road will be ready within three months, allowing investors to begin operations shortly thereafter.
During a site visit, Dr. Mwaura emphasized that the park would also attract private investors to establish food processing plants, adding value to agricultural products.
The project is a collaboration between the county government, Egerton University, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, with both CAIP and Export Processing Zone (EPZ) allocated 100 acres at the university’s Ngongongeri farm.
The county has approved a policy document for the implementation of these projects, with Nakuru County committing Sh 250 million this financial year to match an equal amount from the national government.
Dr. Mwaura highlighted the potential of CAIPs and SEZs to drive industrialisation and improve living standards by 2030. He also mentioned that the county is working with the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry to align CAIPs with the bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
The vision for these parks includes light industries like warehousing, logistics, and support for medium and heavy industries, such as fertiliser, iron and steel, plastics, and metal fabrication.
The national government has allocated Sh 4.7 billion for CAIPs across counties, with each expected to contribute Sh 250 million and provide at least 100 acres of land for park establishment.
Felix Njenga