Construction of Sh500 million agro-industrial park begins in Njoro
Ongoing construction of the agro-industrial park in Njoro.
The development of the County Aggregated and Industrial Park in Njoro has begun taking shape after the county government resumed the project construction works.
After months of delay following a court order suspending activities on the land, the county government has finally decided to proceed with the project at the Ngongongeri farm in Njoro.
The project which is being set up on 640 acres of land is set to benefit the local farmers through value addition of their products and youths through the creation of employment opportunities.
At least 5,000 job opportunities are expected to be created by the project which is being undertaken by the county in collaboration with the ministry of Investment Trade and Industry and the Egerton university at a cost of Sh 500 million.
A construction worker carries construction materials at the agro-industrial site in Njoro.
In the last financial year, the county government had committed at least Sh 100 million towards the construction of basic structures while the university gave out the 200 acres of land on a parcel number L.R 527 Ngongongeri.
The county government had on the other hand sought to acquire 640 more acres towards the project
The process was however suspended after the court issued an order temporarily barring the county from acquiring the 640 acres from Egerton university pending hearing and determination of a case that was filed by a Nakuru resident Ezekiel Kesedany.
Mr Kesedany had challenged the process of acquisition which he claimed lacked public participation.
The land is further claimed by another group of residents identified as Mosem enterprises comprising about 300 members.
Nakuru county Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura in his interview with Mtaa Wangu expressed confidence that the project will continue noting that the land belongs to the government.
According to him the Egerton University is the genuine registered owner of the land adding that it has every right to utilize it.
“We have records to show that the parcel belongs to Egerton University. It was bought by the institution to be used for commercial purposes. Those claiming it will however have their day in court but in the meantime the county is going on with the development plans,” said Dr Mwaura.
President William Ruto had pledged an additional Sh500 million towards the project, which was to establish agro-processors, ICT hubs, energy-sector companies, engineering and construction firms, and chemical industries.
The County Government had already approved a policy document to establish and implement the County Aggregation Industrial Parks (CAIPS) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that will host a variety of industries, including agro-processors, ICT hubs, energy-sector companies, engineering and construction firms, and chemical industries.