With the upcoming industrial city of Sagana, Kirinyaga County is set to undergo profound economic change. Once completed, the city is expected to create around 150,000 new jobs.
Governor Anne Waiguru, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (COG), expressed her optimism during the groundbreaking ceremony for the project presided over by President William Ruto on Saturday.
Waiguru announced that the ambitious project would create 30,000 direct and 120,000 indirect jobs, particularly benefiting local farmers who would supply raw materials for processing and export.
The Governor stressed that supporting sectors such as banking, logistics, ICT, security and hospitality would further enhance employment opportunities in the region.
“As we gather here to break ground on Sagana Industrial City, we are laying the foundation for what will soon become a thriving industrial centre and a beacon for a better and more prosperous future for Kirinyaga,” explained Waiguru.
She thanked President Ruto for approving the establishment of the only Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the Central Region.
Financial commitment of the state government
President Ruto promised his government’s full support for the successful implementation of the industrial city.
He announced that the state government would invest Sh750 million in the project, with Sh500 million earmarked for the development of the EPZ and Sh250 million for the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP).
“This project will enable farmers to earn more money through value addition, processing and manufacturing and create numerous jobs for the youth,” Said President Ruto.
He also assured residents that the government is negotiating with the US and European markets to export processed goods from the industrial park.
A blueprint for industrialization in Kirinyaga
Governor Waiguru stressed that the industrial park is in line with Kirinyaga’s Mountain Cities 2032 blueprint, which designates Ndia Constituency as Kirinyaga Industrial City.
The city is spread over 242 acres and will drive the industrialization of the county through agro-processing and manufacturing.
The industrial city will have an EPZ, a special economic zone (SEZ) and affordable housing.
So far, over 46 investors have expressed interest in setting up factories in the industrial city. Phase 1 of the EPZ, which focuses on processing and manufacturing export goods such as textiles and leather, is already underway.
Waiguru noted that the upcoming CAIP will support local and export industries, with a primary focus on agricultural products such as dairy products, avocados, macadamia nuts and various fruits and vegetables.
