Kenya Kwanza To Establish Industrial Parks In All 47 Counties To Spur Job Creation

• The newly-launched e-Biz Kwa Vijana Project is an initiative co-funded by USAID and is aimed at revolutionising entrepreneurship in Kenya
• Fanuel Kidenda said innovation has the power to catalyse productivity, generate gainful employment, and create wealth for Kenyans
• Kidenda further told TUKO.co.ke that the planned KSh 4.5 billion industrial parks will be linked to the Warehouse Receipt System and KOMEX

Nairobi - The government has reiterated that it is keen on nurturing a culture of innovation to rev up economic growth in the country.

Acting Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Kenya National Multi-Commodities Exchange Ltd (KOMEX) Fanuel Kidenda told TUKO.co.ke that innovation has the power to catalyse productivity, generate gainful employment, and create wealth for Kenyans.

Against this backdrop, Kidenda revealed that plans are underway for all the 47 counties to have an industrial park, in the next year.

“As part of the interventions, the government is rolling out County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) in partnership with all 47 counties to not only address post-harvest losses but also enhance value addition of agricultural produce with the main aim of increasing earnings for our farmers,” he said.

Kenya Kwanza allocates KSh 4.5 billion toward industrial parks

Kidenda further said the planned KSh 4.5 billion CAIPs will be linked to the Warehouse Receipt System and KOMEX to ensure quality storage and provide market access.

“The CAIPs will stimulate light manufacturing and industrialisation across the country,” he added.

To address the challenge of unemployment, Kidenda disclosed that the Kenya Kwanza government has identified and is prioritising interventions in six (6) agricultural value chains, namely: dairy, tea, rice, edible oil, textiles to garments, leather, and leather products.

“In addition, we are focussing on three (3) non-agricultural value chains namely blue economy, e-mobility, construction, and building materials. Multi-Commodities Exchange Trading Platform and a supporting eco-system to facilitate market access, trade financing, and service provision for structured trade in agricultural and non-agricultural value chains,” Kidenda explained.

How Kenya Kwanza is transforming economic opportunities

TUKO.co.ke understands that KOMEX is regulated under the Capital Markets Act Cap 485A of 2019.

“In implementing the BETA Plan, the government is focussing on creating transformative economic opportunities that are aimed at increasing employment opportunities and incomes for the most vulnerable members of the community,” Kidenda further said.

Kidenda spoke to TUKO.co.ke after presiding over the launch of the e-Biz Kwa Vijana Project at in Nairobi.

The initiative is aimed at revolutionising entrepreneurship in Kenya. The project is co-funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the eTrade Alliance and implemented by BrighterMonday Kenya.

“The initiative aims to train 1,000 Kenyan youth (aged 18 to 35 years) to leverage digital platforms and marketplaces. Also, onboard at least 600 youths on e-commerce platforms and marketplaces. Engage key stakeholders across the e-commerce industry to drive sector-wide growth,” David Gosney, USAID Mission Director Kenya and East Africa told TUKO.co.ke.

Other groups to benefit from e-Biz Kwa Vijana Project

Also, to benefit from the initiative are women entrepreneurs and people living with disabilities (PLWDs) with business opportunities through e-commerce and in growing Kenya’s digital economy.

“This programme represents our commitment to bridging the talent gap in Africa and unlocking opportunities for economic empowerment. By embracing technology, entrepreneurs can unlock new avenues for growth and expand their reach beyond traditional boundaries,” said BrighterMonday CEO Chris Otundo.

Esther Okenyuri pushes for youth, women empowerment

This comes when Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri is pushing for the sensitisation and involvement of women and youth start-ups in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and CAIPs.

Okenyuri, wants the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation, and Tourism Committee to apprise the Senate of the measures taken by the government to encourage and support investment in value addition by women and youth startup enterprises in the SEZs and CAIPs.

The youthful senator further wants the committee to explain the nature of support, including mobilisation of financial support if any that will be extended to women and youth by the national and county governments for their enterprises to invest in value addition in the SEZs and CAIPs.