The Bungoma County Aggregated Industrial Park (CAIP) is set for completion by June this year, Industrialization Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana has announced.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the park in Sangโalo, PS Mukhwana expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the project is moving at an impressive pace despite initial challenges. He revealed that the contractor faced difficulties related to the siteโs topography, particularly the removal of heavy boulders, which slowed construction in the early stages.
The CAIP is a joint initiative between the Bungoma County Government and the National Government, aimed at boosting industrialization through value addition. Originally planned for 18 sites, the project is now being implemented in 13 locations. The total cost stands at KSh 500 million, with the county and national government sharing the funding equally.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka lauded the initiative, emphasizing its significance in addressing the countyโs industrial lag. He stressed the need for public sensitization, urging local entrepreneurs to embrace small-scale manufacturing, which he noted is not reserved for foreign investors alone.
โBungoma is a key agricultural hub, and the CAIP will greatly enhance value addition in the sector,โ Governor Lusaka stated. He encouraged investors to capitalize on the facility, which, once fully operational, is expected to generate thousands of jobs for the youth and provide a ready market for locally produced goods.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari urged local manufacturers to partner with the agency for product certification to enhance market competitiveness. She also revealed that KEBS has established an office in Bungoma to facilitate easier access to its services, ensuring quality assurance for local products.
The completion of the industrial park is expected to transform Bungomaโs economic landscape, positioning it as a regional hub for manufacturing and value addition.
