Kenya Continues To Soar High: Unveils Two Largest Projects In Africa Within Days
Barely a week after launching Africa’s largest wind farm, Kenya’s President has launched the largest ultra-modern industrial park in Africa which is expected to create 1000 direct jobs, another 5000 indirectly and contracts over 35,000 farmers across the country in the supply of raw materials.
The Sh20 billion park located in Kiambu County was developed by Bidco Africa, East Africa’s largest Fast-moving Consumer Goods manufacturer as part of the firm’s expansion plans, it will host its beverage and food processing factory.
It sits on part of an 80-acre parcel of industrial land within Tatu City, comprising of a 550,000 litres per day effluent treatment plant, a 90,000 litres per hour water filtration facility and a 66 kilovolts power station to supply 7.5 megawatts of electricity to the park.
In a bid to encourage more investors, President Kenyatta said that 40 similar parks will be launched across the country soon. Bidco plans on putting up another factory that will produce animal feeds.
“The park we are launching today sits well in the country’s agenda of creating jobs and increasing manufacturing sector contribution to our economy from the current 8.4 percent to 15 percent over the medium term,” President Uhuru said.
Bidco Africa Chairman Vimal Shah noted that the new factories and machinery is expected to increase the total turnover and total product range of the firm.
“Our basket to the market shall, therefore, become bigger, which means there shall be significant employment creation as well as benefit Kenyans in general,” Shah said.
During the launch, the issue of power energy was brought up by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who recommended that the current price of energy in the country be slashed in order to attract more investors in the country.
“Energy is very important in attracting investors in the field of industry. investors will come where there is an abundance of energy,” Mr Odinga said.
On Friday, Kenya launched Africa’s largest wind power which is expected to deliver 310 megawatts of renewable power to the national grid.
The Lake Turkana Wind Power project is made up of 365 turbines, each with a capacity of 850 kilowatts. It is located 600 kilometers from Nairobi in the Loiyangalani District, Marsabit County.
Featured Image Courtesy: WW
