The groundbreaking ceremony for the Sagana Industrial City in Kirinyaga County marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s industrialization journey. Presided over by President William Ruto and graced by key government officials, the event highlighted the potential of this ambitious project to transform the region’s economy and create substantial employment opportunities. Governor Anne Waiguru, a key proponent of the project, emphasized that the industrial city is expected to create approximately 150,000 jobs, with 30,000 being direct and another 120,000 indirect jobs.
A Vision for Economic Growth
Governor Waiguru’s vision for the Sagana Industrial City is rooted in the broader goals of economic transformation and job creation. Speaking at the ceremony, she expressed her optimism about the project’s potential to become a thriving industrial hub. “As we gather to break the ground for Sagana Industrial City, we lay the foundation for what will soon become a thriving industrial hub and a beacon of a brighter and prosperous future for Kirinyaga,” Waiguru stated. She also noted that the project would not only create jobs but also foster an environment where businesses can thrive, ultimately contributing to the shared economic goals of the county and the country at large.
Inside Sagana Industrial City
The Sagana Industrial City is more than just an industrial park; it is a comprehensive development that includes a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP). The city will also feature assorted industries, a four-star hotel, and a 9-hole golf course, making it a multifaceted project that blends industrial and recreational facilities. This blend is expected to attract both local and international investors, thereby boosting the region’s economic profile.
Governor Waiguru revealed that over 46 investors have already shown interest in setting up various factories within the industrial city. The development of Phase 1 of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), which will host industries involved in the processing and manufacturing of export goods such as textiles and leather, is currently underway. This phase is critical as it sets the foundation for the export-oriented industrial activities that will drive the region’s economic growth.
Government Support and Infrastructure Development
President Ruto’s presence at the groundbreaking ceremony underscored the national government’s commitment to the success of the Sagana Industrial City. He assured full support for the project and highlighted ongoing negotiations with the US and European markets for the export of products that will be processed in the industrial park. “We are building the necessary infrastructure that will anchor our industrialization and manufacturing and thus enable our economy to create jobs and inclusive wealth,” Ruto stated.
Ruto also announced substantial financial support for the project, pledging Ksh500 million for the development of the Export Processing Zone and an additional Ksh250 million towards the development of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP). The county government has already contributed Ksh180 million towards the CAIP project, demonstrating a strong partnership between the county and national governments.
Empowering Farmers and Local Industries
One of the standout features of the Sagana Industrial City is its focus on supporting local and export industries, particularly those based on agricultural produce. The upcoming CAIP is designed to support industries targeting dairy, avocado, macadamia, sunflower, and a range of integrated fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, bananas, sweet potatoes, tea, coffee, rice, and fish. This focus on agriculture aligns with Kirinyaga’s strength as a farming region and ensures that local farmers will benefit from the industrial city by providing raw materials for processing and export.
Conclusion
The Sagana Industrial City represents a significant step towards the realization of Kenya’s industrialization and economic transformation goals. With the support of both the county and national governments, and the interest of numerous investors, the project is poised to create thousands of jobs and transform Kirinyaga into a key player in Kenya’s industrial landscape. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched as a model of how industrialization can drive economic growth and development in Kenya.
