The Northern Kenyan counties have launched a long term investment plan to help the region explore and address the economic gaps .
Speaking at El Boran Hotel during the official opening of the one day investment conference sponsored by USAID and orgernised by the three governors Abdi Hussein Guyo (Isiolo) Mohammed Ali (Marsabit ) and Jonathan Lati Elegit (Samburu),Guyo said the investment plan will not only bring together the counties leadership partnership but also boost the economy of the region through exploring and utilizing the available resources.
“The investment conference is not merely an envisioning of possibilities but it is a testament of the commitment of the region’s leadership to explore and address gaps in investment opportunities across our three counties. Additionally, it affirms the region’s leadership’s resolute commitment to fostering economic growth and nurturing innovation in our diverse but bankable value chains,” said Guyo.
Addressing delegates and all stakeholders Isiolo boss added that the three counties will partner together to support diverse groups of enterprises citing tradesmen, Mama Mbogas, agro-processors to eco-tourism companies.
“The big question here is, Why Isiolo, Marsabit and Samburu? I firmly believe that these counties offer abundant investment opportunities. The combined young and growing population, expanding urban areas, and accessible employment options create vibrant markets for various services,” noted the county boss .
While accompanied by two deputy governors Solomon Gubo (Marsabit ) and his Samburu counterpart Gabriel Lenengwesi ,Guyo noted that Isiolo international airport in the region is geared towards marking a recommendable growth in tourism and trade industry .
“Isiolo is the central gate path and with the international airport which has the potential to serve over 200,000 local and international passengers annually. This indeed will boost tourism in the region. Additionally, cargo flights for fresh meat and other value-added products from our modern abattoir, as well as fresh farm horticultural produce and khat from neighboring Meru and Laikipia counties, could be significant economic drivers for the region,” added the governor
Addressing hundreds of delegates and exhibitors Guyo also appealed to the CEO of Kenya Airports Authority to expedite the expansion of the runway and urge aviation companies to commence cargo and passenger flight operations to help meet steady economical growth of the region.
Further, he noted with Isiolo currently experiencing significant infrastructural development, with the construction of the Isiolo-Modogashe-Mandera road as part of the Horn of Africa Development Project and the ongoing LAPSSET project, will help in unlocking the region’s economic vitality, connecting it to markets across Kenya and beyond.
The region at the same time noted with the era of climate change, it was crucial they join together and build dependable livestock production systems that will allow all smallholder livestock farmers to improve their livelihood and maximize their animal income.
“To this end, my government is at the final stage in operationalizing the Isiolo Abattoir This facility holds the potential to employ 300 youths, processing 10,000 goats, 500 cows, and 300 camels per day. This alone can generate a significant volume of hides and skins,” he noted .
He added the move is in government’s aspiration of creating direct and indirect jobs in the leather industry amid calling on investors to consider establishing a leather tanning factory in the region .
“I urge the Kenya Investment Authority and Kenya Leather Development Council to collaborate with my administration in promoting this opportunity because this region mainly keep livestock as their mainstay source of income,” said Guyo.
He at the same time lamented that recent market research statistics show a strong and growing demand for fresh and processed camel milk products both domestically and internationally.
“I encourage companies in the milk processing sector to consider establishing a milk processing factory in our county. This move will not only provide a ready market for our farmers but also create much needed jobs for the youth,” said the Samburu deputy governor.
