@ppcheti
A Kakamega agency is developing a strategy to promote investments and mobilise resources key to the attainment of wealth and food security.
The move by the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency is meant to ensure the region identifies and maximises these resources and investments to attain economic independence and improved livelihoods.
County secretary James Ochami said the county is seeking to collaborate with partners both internally and externally so crucial transformation targets are achieved.
He was speaking when he opened a resource mobilisation and investment promotion meeting in Kakamega on Wednesday.
The meeting was organised by KCIDA in partnership with USAID’s Kenya Investment Mechanism.
“The focus is on bringing in investors but the priority is on finding and working with like-minded partners to mobilise resources so that we can attain independence and sustainability," Ochami said.
He said the county’s six-point agenda on health, food security, wealth creation, education, social development and governance must be put into consideration.
Kakamega is among eight counties selected by USAID's Kenya Investment Mechanism through the Prosper Counties Project for having good governance and making positive strides in development since the inception of devolution.
The project's aim is to enable county governments to create an enabling environment for the private sector and unlock financing from different players in the market.
Under the programme, KCIDA personnel have been trained on how to attract investors to the county.
KCIDA CEO Elizabeth Asichi said the strategy is beneficial since part of the operational plan for the agency is to ensure sustainability.
She urged stakeholders to support the agency so it can market Kakamega as the perfect investment hub of choice in Kenya.
“We are grateful to USAID for supporting Kakamega county’s development agenda. We are asking stakeholders to hop onboard and together let’s all market Kakamega’s abilities and capabilities to the world," Asichi said.
KIM business enabling environment adviser Moses Nyabila said they will continue to partner with Kakamega on capacity building.
“I'm asking the officers here to take advantage of the reliable road infrastructure, favourable climatic conditions and a big population to market this county as the perfect investment destination," he said.
Edited by A.N