By Seliphar Machoni
The Kakamega County government is poised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various investors during a four-day forum of the Kakamega County International Investment Conference that commenced yesterday.
Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa announced that the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA) is expected to finalize several MOUs by the end of the conference, which is scheduled to conclude on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Speaking on Tuesday during a pre-conference briefing, Barasa stated that he will utilize the opportunity to attract investors to invest in various sectors including agriculture, agri-business, medical, education, and social sectors.
The Governor emphasized that his government is seeking investors to operationalize projects such as the Malava dairy factory, the stalled Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital—which is anticipated to become the largest referral health facility in the country with a capacity of 700 beds—and investments in the hospitality industry.
“We require investors in the hostel sector to provide accommodation for over 21,000 students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) as well as the over 14,000 students at Sigalagala National Polytechnic,” he added.
Other sectors identified for investment opportunities include hospitality, sports, fisheries, and the establishment of a cancer centre, among others.
The conference is being held at Masinde Muliro University under the theme “Opening up Counties as the New Frontiers for Investment and Development.”
President William Ruto is expected to officiate the opening of the conference today, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga scheduled to attend on the second day (Thursday), and the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expected to conclude the forum on Friday this week.
The Governor noted that several foreign dignitaries, local and international companies’ representatives, government officials, foreign mission representatives, and development partners, among others, are anticipated to attend the conference.
