The Bungoma County Aggregated Industrial Park (CAIP) is on track for completion by June of this year, Trade and Industrialization Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana has said.

The site was launched in August 2023.

During an inspection visit to the park in Sang’alo, PS Mukhwana expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress despite early challenges.

“The park is at thirty percent complete, and if the same pace is maintained, we expect it to be completed and running by end of June,” said PS Mukhwana.

He noted that the contractor encountered difficulties with the site’s topography, particularly in removing large boulders, which slowed construction during the initial phase.

The CAIP is a joint initiative between the Bungoma County Government and the National Government, aimed at boosting industrial growth and value addition.

Originally planned for 18 sites, the project is now being implemented in 13 locations, with a total cost of KSh 500 million, shared equally by both levels of government.

Governor Kenneth Lusaka praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to overcome the county’s industrial lag.

He stressed the need for public sensitization and encouraged local entrepreneurs to embrace small-scale manufacturing, noting that the opportunities are not exclusive to foreign investors.

“Bungoma is a key agricultural hub, and the CAIP will greatly enhance value addition in the sector,” Governor Lusaka stated.

He urged investors to capitalize on the facility, which, once fully operational, is expected to generate thousands of jobs for the youth and create a ready market for locally produced goods.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari called on local manufacturers to partner with the agency for product certification, enhancing their market competitiveness. She also announced that KEBS has set up an office in Bungoma to ensure easier access to its services and quality assurance for local products.

The completion of the industrial park is anticipated to transform Bungoma’s economic landscape, establishing the region as a regional hub for manufacturing and value addition.