A human rights activist has called on the government to complete the construction of aggregation and industrial parks in Kisii and Nyamira counties to stimulate trade and bolster the local economies. Racheal Otundo, Secretary of the Gusii Governance Watch Civil Society Organisation (CSO), highlighted that the parks, launched two years ago by the then Investment, Trade and Industries Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, remain unfinished.
Otundo expressed frustration at the sluggish progress of these major projects, which were projected to cost taxpayers Ksh. 1 billion. She stressed the urgency for the government to finalise them before the next General Election, ensuring residents can reap the benefits.
“The national and county governments were each supposed to contribute Ksh. 250 million towards the construction of the parks. I urge both governments to release the funds so contractors can complete the work,” Otundo said.
She explained that completing the parks would pave the way for investors to establish cottage and agro-based industries, creating job opportunities for young people and addressing the rising unemployment crisis in the region.
The activist also appealed to elected leaders from Kisii and Nyamira to press the government to expedite the construction and adhere to the agreed timeline. “When the Cabinet Secretary launched the projects, residents were optimistic about the benefits they’d bring. Now, they’re growing impatient,” Otundo remarked.
She noted that investors are eager to see the parks completed so they can set up common user facilities. These would allow residents to preserve their agricultural produce, sell it, or process it—ultimately enhancing their livelihoods.
Otundo pointed out that local farmers are currently forced to sell their goods to middlemen at rock-bottom prices due to a lack of processing equipment. “They’re being exploited and left in abject poverty,” she said. “Bananas and soapstone, for instance, could be turned into various products and sold locally or exported to international markets, boosting farmers’ incomes and improving their quality of life.”
