The Laikipia County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Rumuruti will serve as a hub for agricultural processing and manufacturing, providing a vital link between farmers, industries, and the market according to Governor Joshua Irungu.
He was speaking during the ground breaking event they jointly presided over with CS Investment, Trade and Industry Moses Kuria Governor. The Kshs. 500 million project, which is a joint venture between the county and national government, will sit on 300 acres.
“The park will promote the production of high-quality agricultural products. We have seven value chains that will be key to operations such as beef, maize, tomatoes, soya, avocados, animal feeds and dairy,” said Governor Joshua Irungu. He added that the park will address post-harvest losses that have bedeviled farmers for a long time in the county, especially those who rely on maize and tomato farming.
The County Chief opined that the commencement of the construction phase marks a significant milestone in the county’s economic development that focuses primarily on value additions, storage, cold rooms and warehousing facilities. The strategic move he added not only bolsters the agricultural sector but also reduces dependence on imported value chain products contributing to Laikipia and Kenya’s food security and self-sufficiency.
“The aim is to ensure that residents from this great county get the maximum benefit from their cattle in leather products, value add their milk and all other products that are found in Laikipia,” said CS Moses Kuria.
The County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Laikipia will also provide a platform for renewable energy initiatives. With the integration of solar and bio-energy solutions, the park aims to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The park is located at the County Headquarters where the county government says there is optimum land for investment opportunities like an Export Processing Zone and an International Airport, which will soon be established, aimed at promoting and facilitating export-oriented investments.
Transportation and storage will be key components of the park’s infrastructure, enabling efficient movement of goods to and from the facility. This will enhance accessibility for farmers to bring their produce, while also ensuring an uninterrupted supply chain for manufacturers based within the park.
