The Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government is keen on completing and operationalizing the Meru Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) by the end of the year.
The national and county governments are building 47 CAIPs across the country targeting to enhance value addition and improve earnings for farmers.
Speaking when he inspected the aggregation centre at Mugae in Ruiri/Rwarera, DP Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to doing away with brokers, ensuring that farmers benefit directly from their produce.
He said Meru is among 13 counties whose aggregation centres are in advanced stage of completion.
"We are working with county governments to engage relevant cooperatives to decide which agricultural products will be processed at the industrial park.We must eliminate middlemen who have exploited our farmers for too long. This park will empower the producers and ensure they get the full value of their work," Kindiki said.He said the government is also.scputing for local and international markets for the products which will be processed at the industrial park.
Kindiki reiterated that the Deputy President’s primary role is to support the President’s agenda, particularly the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which includes the establishment of industrial parks in all 47 counties.
“The Meru Industrial Park will not only create employment opportunities for our people, but also enhance value addition to our produce. This means more money in the pockets of farmers and a more robust local economy,” DP Kindiki added.
The DP also noted that the last batch of around Sh76 million will be released in two weeks for completion of the project.
Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia echoed Kindiki’s sentiments and called for affirmative action to boost development at the ward level.
He emphasized the need to ensure that each ward benefits from such national projects through equitable planning and investment.
“As a county, we are committed to aligning with the national vision. This industrial park is just the beginning. We will ensure that every ward feels the impact of progress,” Governor M’Ethingia said.
Meanwhile, Prof Kindiki challenged Meru leaders to unite and work towards fast tracking development in the county.
