Kwale County to build Sh750m industrial park

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani when she appeared before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds over the audit queries at Bunge Towers in Nairobi on September 2, 2024 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The county government of Kwale will establish a Sh750 million industrial park to boost investment and economic growth.

The Kwale County Aggregation and Industrial Park is aimed at adding value to cassava, tomatoes, cashew nuts and other farm produce.

Governor Fatuma Achani said the main objective of County the parks is to grow manufacturing and investments.

"Industrial parks are an ideal catalyst for industrialization and economic development as they help put into place an infrastructure that fosters and attracts entrepreneurs of all scales," she said, adding that industrialisation is the way to go to safeguard the future generation.

President William Ruto, during a recent visit to the construction site of the county's industrial park last week pledged a further Sh250 million from the national government.

President Ruto termed the new industrial park a catalyst for development and expressed happiness with the level of work done so far.

"I want to commend Governor Achani for this noble project that will provide investment opportunities to Kwale residents and we are keen to support such investments," he said.

President Ruto noted that industrial parks are a crucial step towards economic development and industrialisation in any part of the country as they attract domestic and international investors, which will then contribute significantly to the nation's economy.

"The County Industrial Parks will boost our country's foreign exchange earnings, create jobs for thousands of the youth and increase our farmers' income,' said the president.

The governor said the industrial park is a priority project that will keep expanding as industries position their businesses there.

She said the county government will be providing the necessary infrastructure for the site to thrive such as construction of roads, drainage and electricity.

She pointed out that industrial parks serve as the cornerstone for growth and economic development as they attract businesses that fuels job creation, enhances competitiveness and fosters sustainable business growth.