The government will be releasing more funds for the completion of the Migori County Aggregation and Industrial Park.
Industry Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Juma Mukwana, speaking during a courtesy call to Governor Ochilo Ayacko, said the government has already put 116 million in the Aggregation and Industrial Park, which is 70 per cent complete with a set deadline of June this year.
Mukwana also disclosed that the government would put in additional funds of 100 million in early March to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated period to operationalise it by the end of the year.
The PS said that they would continue to assess the project’s progress to ensure that the state deadlines are met for the benefit of the county residents.
He also pointed out that he was happy with the aggregation and industrial park phase one progress in 18 counties, adding that Migori was far ahead in terms of work development among the counties in that phase.
However, he noted that both levels of government would not wait for the completion of the project before attracting investors.
“We have already advertised to investors what the aggregation and industrial park will be involved in and so far we have started to receive good applications from various investors,” said Mukwana.
The PS explained that the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry will be doing joint investment forums with the counties and Kenyans in the diaspora to invest in the country’s manufacturing sector.
Ayacko, on his part, said that the industrial pillar being co-jointly implemented with both levels of government has the vision to increase productivity, employment opportunities, and wealth generation.
Ochilo explained that the Sh.117 million European Union (EU)-funded and completed Getonganya sweet potato processing plant was one of the key industrials that will be relooked by both levels of government to operationalise it for the purpose of industrialisation.
The governor also affirmed that the completion of the aggregation and industrial park will benefit from production opportunities, including gold mining, rice and fishing productions in Migori.
The Sh500 million shared fund contribution by the Migori County government and the National government towards the Nyatike-based project completion aims to create employment and improve the development of the county upon its completion.
By Makokha Khaoya
