Ruto Backs Kirinyaga's Industrial City, Promising 150,000 New Jobs

Kirinyaga's Governor Anne Waiguru has revealed that the upcoming Sagana Industrial City project will generate approximately 150,000 job opportunities once fully operational.

On Saturday, at the inauguration ceremony graced by President William Ruto, Waiguru highlighted the project's potential to generate 30,000 direct jobs and an additional 120,000 indirect employment prospects. The industrial city is poised to become a catalyst for agricultural growth, benefiting thousands of local farmers who will supply raw materials for processing and export. Waiguru emphasizes the project's role in fostering economic transformation and creating a conducive environment for business growth. The development will encompass an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and affordable housing, attracting a diverse range of supportive industries including banking, logistics, customs, ICT, and hospitality.

President Ruto has pledged full support for the project's implementation, highlighting ongoing negotiations with US and European markets for the export of goods processed in the industrial park. The national government has committed substantial funding, allocating Sh500 million for the EPZ development and Sh250 million for a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP). Kirinyaga County has already invested Sh180 million in the CAIP project. The Sagana Industrial City represents a crucial step in revitalizing the economy of Sagana town which has a rich industrial heritage dating back to the 1920s. The town's decline, precipitated by the deterioration of the railway network in the 1980s, led to widespread business closures and economic stagnation.

Governor Waiguru's administration has been actively working to restore Sagana's former prosperity through various development initiatives, including the establishment of the Sagana Industrial Park and improvements in healthcare and water infrastructure. The Wezesha Kirinyaga Programme has played a vital role in supporting local farmers and increasing production in key value chains such as tomatoes, rice, coffee, avocado, and dairy. The industrial city project aims to address persistent challenges like post-harvest losses and enhance farmers' earnings by ensuring the complete processing and sale of their produce.

The project's first phase is already underway with over 46 investors expressing interest in establishing factories within the industrial city. The EPZ hosts industries focused on processing and manufacturing export goods, particularly in the textile and leather sectors. This development is expected to significantly boost the local economy and create numerous jobs and provide a stable market for agricultural produce. The Sagana Industrial City project represents a collaborative effort between local and national governments to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities in Kirinyaga County.