Government Accelerates Completion of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks

The government has stepped up efforts to fast-track the completion and operationalization of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), with eight facilities expected to be ready for commissioning by the end of the year.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the parks will play a critical role in driving Kenya’s industrialization agenda by promoting aggregation, value addition and manufacturing at the county level.

Prof. Kindiki spoke on Wednesday during a meeting at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, with officials from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, led by Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, governors and representatives from relevant government agencies.

The meeting reviewed progress on the eight CAIPs that are nearing completion and discussed measures required to ensure they are fully equipped and operational.

The parks are located in Embu, Meru, Wajir, Garissa, Kirinyaga, Busia, Kisii and Migori counties.

“CAIPs are the first step towards industrialization,” Kindiki said, emphasizing their role in supporting value addition and creating a foundation for manufacturing.

He cited South Korea, Malaysia and China as examples of countries that expanded their economies through value addition, cottage industries and manufacturing.

Centralized Procurement to Fast-Track Completion

According to the Deputy President, the eight counties have made significant progress in completing their respective facilities.

The national government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has agreed to support the counties through a centralized equipment procurement programme aimed at ensuring the parks are adequately equipped ahead of commissioning.

Kindiki said the government has also developed guidelines for the operationalization of CAIPs to promote uniformity and ensure that the facilities meet the required standards before being opened.

The Ministry and county governments will conduct technical assessments of the parks before they become operational.

The Deputy President further directed relevant agencies to accelerate the installation and completion of essential common-user infrastructure, including water, electricity, roads and waste-management systems.

Counties Urged to Tap Export Markets

Kindiki urged counties to take advantage of Kenya’s expanding network of trade agreements to develop products for both local and international markets.

He noted that agreements with countries in Europe and Asia have expanded market access for Kenyan products, with some providing quota-free and tariff-free opportunities.

The Deputy President encouraged counties to use the CAIPs as platforms for producing value-added goods that can compete in international markets.

As the eight priority parks move towards completion, Kindiki called on other counties to accelerate construction and prioritize the operationalization of their facilities.

He said the national government would continue providing the necessary support to counties as they establish the parks.

The government views CAIPs as a key component of its industrialization strategy, with the facilities expected to strengthen local value chains, support small-scale manufacturers and enhance the competitiveness of Kenya's counties.