Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has announced that the forthcoming Sagana Industrial City is set to create approximately 150,000 jobs upon its completion.
Speaking on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by President William Ruto, Waiguru highlighted the transformative potential of the project for the county.
As the Chair of the Council of Governors (COG), Waiguru emphasized that the industrial city will generate around 30,000 direct jobs and an additional 120,000 indirect jobs.
She also noted the significant benefits for thousands of local farmers who will supply raw materials for processing and export.
“The establishment of Sagana Industrial City lays the foundation for what will soon be a thriving industrial hub, symbolizing a brighter and more prosperous future for Kirinyaga.
This project reflects our commitment to shared economic transformation goals, aiming to create new jobs and foster a climate where businesses can thrive,” said Governor Waiguru.
She expressed her gratitude to President Ruto for granting Kirinyaga the only Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the central region.
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Additionally, she requested the tarmacking of Sagana Town roads and a four-kilometer road leading to the industrial park, which the President approved. Ruto also promised to support the construction of dykes to prevent flooding in the park.
President Ruto pledged his full support for the successful implementation of the industrial city, noting that his government is actively negotiating with US and European markets for the export of produce processed at the industrial park.
He emphasized that the project would enable farmers to earn more through value addition, processing, and manufacturing, creating numerous job opportunities for the youth.
Accompanied by key Cabinet Secretaries, including Hassan Joho for Mining and Blue Economy, and Salim Mvurya for Investments, Trade, and Industry, President Ruto confirmed that he would return to launch some of the industries in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and EPZ, enabling the youth to begin working there immediately.
He announced that the National Government would invest Ksh. 500 million in the development of the EPZ and an additional Ksh. 250 million in the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP). The county government has already contributed Ksh. 180 million to the CAIP project.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Salim Mvurya, committed to overseeing the development of the Industrial Park to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
He announced plans to hold meetings with county farmers to develop a strategy for delivering their produce for processing.
