County kicks off development of Urban Economic Plan

 The process of developing an Urban
Economic Plan (UEP) for Kerugoya/Kutus Municipality in Kirinyaga County has
kicked off.

 The kickoff event that was held in
Kerugoya brought together stakeholders from both the private and the public
sector.

 The process is expected to give the county
its first-ever urban economic plan within the next eight months.

 The plan, which is being developed
through a partnership between Kirinyaga County Government and UKAID funded
Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) Program, will carry the vision
and objectives of Kerugoya/Kutus Municipality and define its economic sector
action plans, value chain development and priority infrastructure projects.

 Governor Anne Waiguru has said that the
development of an Urban Economic Plan is a historic event since the fast
growing Kerugoya/ Kutus Municipality will now have a plan that will promote
economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner through prioritized
integrated projects.

 She pointed out that among the value
chain projects to be undertaken through SUED will be a husks factory that will
be a source of employment and also help in adding value to byproducts of various
agricultural produce such as rice.

 She added that the plan will also enable
the government to prioritize and implement the projects that have maximum
benefits for the residents and those that will ensure the desired economic
future in Kirinyaga.

 “We are very happy to be among the only
12 municipalities out of 59 that were selected for SUED funding that will
enable impactful projects in the county.” Said Waiguru.

 Kerugoya Kutus Municipality has a
population of about 51,000 people drawn from Nyangati, Kabare, Kanyekiine, Inooi
and Kerugoya wards.

 So far the SUED partnership has enabled
the capacity building of the Municipal staff and board to enable them implement
investment promotion strategies as well as enhance their capacity in managing
the municipality and undertaking infrastructural development. 

 The governor assured Kirinyaga residents
that the process of developing the EUP will be an all-inclusive exercise that
will capture the aspirations of Kirinyaga residents.

 Kerugoya Member of County Assembly Kamau
Murango who is also the assembly’s leader of majority on his part said that the
SUED program will have a great impact on the people of Kirinyaga noting that  Kerugoya/Kutus Municipality Ward has great
potential that can be harnessed to make it a major investment hub.

 The SUED Deputy Team Leader Monicah
Motshegwe, said that the UEP will include projects that will be identified
during stakeholder engagement forums which will be all-inclusive to accommodate
the social-economic dynamics in the county.

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