Wanga signs deal with nine firms to invest in county

Homa Bay government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with nine different firms to promote investment and economic development in the county.

Governor Gladys Wanga led the signing of the deals on behalf of the county and the organizations during the second edition of the Homa Bay International Investment Conference.

During the conference, different organizations got a chance to explore and identify areas where they could put their money before nine companies decided to work with the county government.

Some of the companies are AfroPal, Ento Tech Africa, Yazmark International, Rift Valley Products, Manda University, Mirror Ethics, Fairdeal Real Estate and Reddington.

AfroPal International Limited partnered with Homa Bay and Migori counties to grow oil palms and used them to make cooking oil.

Wanga said her administration identified cotton and other edible oils as the key agricultural value chain that can grow the economy of the county.

“Homa Bay has the same ecological condition as neighbouring country Uganda and does well in growing oil palm. We can as well produce oil palm for economic benefit,” Wanga said.

Ento Tech Africa signed a deal to engage in hygiene and sanitation.

During a meeting organised by USAid Western Kenya Sanitation Project, the health executive Roselyn Omollo said hygiene is still a challenge in Homa Bay with waste disposal and management being the main concern.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries National director Ken Onditi said the main challenge affecting sanitation in Homa Bay is its growing population.

“We have realised that a lot of people in the county are not enlightened about waste management. There needs to be civic education regarding hygiene in the county,” Onditi said.

Homa Bay county government hopes to use the services of Ento Tech Africa to turn waste into money.

Rift Valley Products will help in the revival of cotton farming.

Cotton is among the agricultural value chains that the county government wants to exploit. 

Wanga said the county wants to take the lead in cotton production.

 “The new partnership will revive collapsed ginneries and make our county the leading producer of cotton,” she said.

Manda University will set up its branch in Homa Bay and offer higher learning while Mirror Ethics will develop green energy.

Fairdeal Real Estate will support affordable housing.

Wanga said the planned investments will make Homa Bay one of the major economic drivers in the country.