Kwale Focus

In a bid to realize the big four agendas of growing the manufacturing sector, increasing food security, providing universal healthcare and affordable housing, the County Government of Kwale has pledged to work closely with investors and other development partners.

Already, multi-billion investment projects have been started in various parts of the county.

Addressing Kwale residents in Samburu during the ground breaking ceremony of Devki Steel Mill Limited on August 7^th 2018, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya assured investors of good working environment to ensure their projects are fully implemented.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya (L) with Trade, Industry and Cooperatives CS Peter Munya. Photo: Ali Kipapuro

He added that once the 500 billion Kenyan shillings project is complete, it will serve the steel demands of many African countries.

“As a government we will work closely with the management of Devki Steel Mills to ensure this project benefits the people of Kwale County.” Mvurya assured.

Mvurya also stated that in the 2018/2019 financial year, the County Government of Kwale has allocated funds in its budget to facilitate the construction of a fruit processing plant in Shimba Hills, Kubo South Ward - Matuga Sub County.

The project scheduled to commence very soon is among the Kwale County’s top investments aimed at ensuring food security.

“On matters of food security we have partnered with the National Government and other stakeholders in the construction of a 279 million Kenyan shillings dam at Nyalani in Kinango Sub County. The County Government is also planning to construct four more big dams in the county.” Mvurya said.

CEC Bungale commissioning Asante Capital EPZ at Mvindeni. Photo: Ali Kipapuro

On Thursday August 9^th 2018, Acting Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Tourism and Enterprise Development who is also the County Executive Committee Member for Social Services and Talent Management Ramadhani Masudi Bungale on behalf of Governor Mvurya officially opened Asante Capital EPZ at Mvindeni in Ukunda, a new investment in the county.

The Asante Capital Export Processing Zone is a factory venturing in veneer and briquettes production.         

Bungale reiterated that apart from being an attractive tourist destination, Kwale County is also among the best places in Kenya to invest. 

“Kwale is very ready for investments, and the County Government has put in place policies and legislations that attract investors.” He said.

He also commended the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for identifying the key sectors that are potential for economic growth.

However he urged the residents of Kwale County especially the youth and women to make use of the opportunity provided by Asante Capital EPZ as a motivation to engage in commercial tree planting.

“When we give Asante Capital EPZ enough raw materials, they will definitely put up a value addition plant here in Kwale, and in turn many people will benefit from this investment.” He added.  

On her side, Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Environment and Natural Resources Management Saumu Beja Mahaja who commended Asante Capital EPZ for their investment urged Kwale County residents to conserve their environment by planting more trees in their lands.

“Trees are life, and are a good source of income. So let plant them.” Saumu stated.    

Speaking on infrastructural development in the county, the Executive Committee Member for Water Services, Roads and Public Works Hemed Mwabudzo assured investors that the County Government is committed to improving infrastructure systems in the entire county.

However he requested all investors in Kwale County to work hand in hand with other stakeholders and the residents to ensure that water catchment areas are preserved.

“Water is a useful resource and therefore I urge Asante Capital EPZ and other investors to work closely with respective County Departments and the Kenya Forestry Services to ensure that our water catchment areas are preserved.” Mwabudzo said.

According to Asante Capital EPZ General Manager David Okello, the factory has over 300 acres of eucalyptus plantations in Majoreni, Lunga Lunga, Mchinjirini and Majengo Mapya areas. These trees can facilitate the operations of the factory for the next five years.

“Over 90 percent of our employees are locals from Kwale County.” Okello further explained.

Another investment project thet was recently started in Kwale County is a 90 million Kenyan shillings Business Park in Kinondo Ward that will encompass the construction of a cotton ginnery aimed at improving cotton farming, ginning and garment production in Kenya.

The project that funded by Base Titanium Company in partnership with the County Government of Kwale and the National Government will directly benefit the Kwale County farmers who are members of Pamba Viazi (PAVI) Cooperative.

The project is expected to be operational by February 2019.