The County Government of Nakuru will work closely with Egerton University to optimize on optimizing on the returns of the agricultural sector in the vast County.
Speaking at her Inauguration on Thursday 26th August at the Nakuru ASK Show ground., Governor Susan Kihika affirmed she will work closely with Egerton University.
This is one of her strategies to improve people’s livelihood. Specifically, she set her eyes on Lord Egerton Agricity Agro-industrial park. Egerton University, Nakuru County Government and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are in the process to build an agro-industrial park in University’s Ngongongeri farm, 200 acres set aside in Njoro. The project is earmarked to attract private investors into establishing agro-processing facilities that will add value on agricultural produce.
“The county will continue to work closely with Egerton University to operationalise the Egerton agro-processing industrial park which will include modern silos, cold stores facilities and agricultural parts,” Said Governor Susan Kihika.
To expand the County of Nakuru’s opportunities as an industrial and economic hub, the Governor pointed out that the Lord Egerton Agricity agro-industrial park is key and a low hanging fruit. She said, “In liaison with the National government, I ensure the full operationalisation of the Special Economic Zone located in Naivasha and develop synergies with the Inland Container Depot. We will also operationalise the Egerton Agro-industrial Park located in Njoro sub-county in collaboration with Egerton University.”
The agro-industrial park is tailored to aggregate horticultural produce, diverse cereals, livestock products and process, add value and reduce post-harvest losses currently experience in Nakuru and other 8 neighbouring counties. In addition, agricultural mechanization will be prioritized for ease of access to farm implements and inputs by farmers. These is aimed at creating employment opportunities, improve the livelihoods in agriculture dependent regions, contribute to food security and accelerate economic growth in the country. Her inclusion of Agro-processing and value addition in her manifesto follows earlier engagement of the University and outgoing Governor Hon Lee Kinjanjuis commitments’ towards the completion of this project.
The University Management led by Egerton Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage has assured the Governor of the institution’s support to the county government. In his congratulatory message, Professor Kibwage said: “We shall continue with our partnerships with the office of the Governor of Nakuru County as a World Class University for the Advancement of Humanity.” The University’s Director of Marketing, Resource Mobilization and Agro science Park, Prof. Paul Kimurto thanked Governor Kihika for prioritizing Egerton University in her strategic plans. Being the only Public Institution of higher learning in the County, the close relations with the University reaffirm the position of the University as a Centre of Excellence in Agriculture and Agribusiness in Kenya and in the region in both research, high skilled manpower training, Innovation and community Outreach.
Governor Kihika is the immediate former Senator or Nakuru County. She also served as Nakuru’s first Speaker. In all these, she is the first woman in the County to have ascended to the offices.
