Murang’a: Murang’a County is poised for a major economic leap after Chinese investors pledged more than Sh20 billion investment at the proposed Murang’a Industrial Park. The park, covering 800 acres hived from Delmonte land at Makenji area, is projected to employ over 10,000 people and transform the county into a manufacturing and agro-processing hub.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who recently led a high-level delegation to Southern China, said the visit yielded tangible commitments from a range of companies keen to set up manufacturing industries in Murang’a. ‘The investors are scheduled to visit Murang’a this October to inspect the earmarked land, before entering into agreements with the county government and starting construction,’ Kang’ata announced.
One of the first firms to commit is Jieyundianqi Company, a manufacturer of electric transformers and solar panels, which has applied for 50 acres. The company plans to spend Sh6.4 billion and employ more than 1,000 people. Other investors including Shandong Westin Holding Group, pledged to build industrial park structures within three months. Road construction firms, agro-processors, and renewable energy companies also expressed readiness to participate, signaling a diversified investment portfolio.
One of the investors, Wang Xiangzhen, assured Kang’ata that her firm had the technical capacity to deliver swiftly. ‘The structures fronted by the county government as per the agreement will be ready for utilization by business persons,’ she said. Kang’ata noted that the tour reinforced Murang’a’s commitment to innovation and industrialization, borrowing lessons from China’s rapid development model.
‘Murang’a is set to follow the innovation principles of the Chinese people to attain development and growth,’ he stated. The governor emphasized that the industrial park will not only create jobs, but also provide opportunities for value addition of agricultural produce, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
Chinese officials welcomed the collaboration, with Zhang Qingwei, Deputy Director General of Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce, commending Kenya’s longstanding ties with China. ‘From Kenya, we get tea, avocado, coffee, and macadamia nuts. In return, we are ready to share expertise in construction, agro-processing, and green energy,’ Zhang said.
The Murang’a delegation also visited factories dealing with agricultural machinery, dairy, vehicle assembly, housing, wind power, and solar energy, partnerships that Kang’ata said would bring lasting benefits to the county. If the pledges materialize, the Murang’a Industrial Park could become one of Central Kenya’s largest economic projects, driving growth and positioning the county as a leading investment destination.