NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 14 – President William Ruto has announced plans to set up Sh100 million for the development of industrial parks and county aggregations in each county.
This initiative is aimed at boosting agriculture and adding to the value of farm products.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Bondeni Affordable Housing scheme in Nakuru on Monday, Ruto said the government is committed to boosting agricultural production.
“We will give every county 100 million shillings to begin constructing industrial and aggregation parks so that we can have value addition and aggregation on all our farm produce before getting good local and international markets,” he said.
“So far we are distributing fertilizer and every county has received a share and we will make sure it gets down to every ward.”
The head of state added that the government will also identify the best local and international markets for agricultural produce to ensure farmers get the best value for their yields.
Earlier on Sunday, the Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria had said the creation of the 47 aggregation and industrial parks will guarantee the aggregation of agricultural goods and their direct sale to markets inside and outside of the nation through a network of global logistical firms.
According to the CS, the government is seeking to establish agro-processing and value-added cottage industries in the counties in a bid to promote regional economic development and make farming profitable as a means of employment creation.
“We are piloting in three identified counties which we want to increase to ten in the immediate phase and roll out in the next Financial Year,” Kuria said.
Ruto also called upon the elected officials to avoid politics and concentrate on providing services, reminding them that they are already in office and that the election season is over
“Now is not the time to focus on positions but strategizing on matters to of help to Kenyans. When Kenyans voted us in, they already gave us the go-ahead to change the country. We do not need any other permission,” he added.
