Over 1,500 expected to attend Murang’a investors conference

Murang’a county government is set to host hundreds of investors in a two-day conference aimed at exposing the opportunities available in the county.

More than 1,500 guests are expected to attend the conference that will start on Friday and conclude on Saturday, with numerous exhibitors expected to erect stalls to showcase their value added products.

According to Trade County Executive Committee Member Kimani Mugo, local, regional and international guests have registered their interest in the event that will be held at Thika Greens hotel, including investors from China and the United States.

On Wednesday, Equity Bank donated Sh15 million towards the event expected to be graced by President William Ruto.

“Murang’a is strategically placed and ideal for investors. We have sufficient land and raw materials for any processing plant,” Mugo said.

The county has established an Exports Processing Zone along the Thika-Kenol highway on the 1,300 acres of land ceded by Delmonte company.

Mugo said the location of the EPZ that is 70 percent complete along a major highway will make it easy for businesses to transport their products to other markets.

Workers set up tents in preparation for the two-day investors conference at Thika Greens Hotel in Murang’a./ALICE WAITHERA

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Governor Stephen Munania, who emphasized that the county is only 40 kilometres away from Nairobi city and 45 kilometres from the Jomo Kenyatta International.

“Murang’a is the gateway to the Central region. We have a good road network that will easy transportation of raw materials from farms and a railway that passes through the county from Nairobi”.

Further, Munania noted that Murang’a, the largest producer of avocado fruits in the country, accounts for about 34 percent of the national production.

“Last year, we produced 350,000 metric tonnes avocado and 31 million kilograms of coffee cherry,” Munania said.

The county also raked in Sh17.8 billion from tea sales and leads in smallholder tea production nationally.

The EPZ is set to create jobs for local youths, boost the local economy while enhancing returns for local farmers.

Last month, the county hosted United Kingdom’s High Commissioner Neil Wigan who assessed the opportunities available in agriculture, agro-processing, and manufacturing, and pledged to invite investors.

by ALICE WAITHERA