The CEO KCIDA Elizabeth Asichi hosted a high-level delegation from Commodity Market Exchange (CMX), led by CEO Mr Jacob Maaga, for strategic discussions and a joint visit to the Malava Dairy Processing Plant; a key agro-industrial project in Kakamega County.

This engagement follows earlier talks during KAIICO 2024, where Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency and CMX began exploring a partnership to operationalize the plant through a phased investment model covering silage production, herd improvement, and dairy processing.

CMX, in collaboration with equity partners, will provide processing machinery and improved livestock, while KCIDA; on behalf of the County Government will hold public assets and coordinate the partnership framework.

Accompanied by CECMs Mophat Mandela (Agriculture) and Godfrey Owori (Trade), the visit also brought together officials from KDDC, Livestock, Public Works, and Trade departments.

This model exemplifies how structured public-private partnerships can drive food security, farmer empowerment, and industrial growth as envisaged by H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW in his six-point agenda for the people of Kakamega.

The CECM for Finance, Economic Planning, and ICT, Mr. Benjamin Andama, today, hosted a delegation from GIZ under Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The visit marked the rollout of a governance programme aimed at enhancing Kenya’s public procurement and complaints management systems through digital tools. Kakamega is among 15 counties selected for implementation.

The programme focuses on:
*Anti-corruption and public financial management
*Transparency and accountability
*Performance management for better service delivery
*Combating illicit financial flows

GIZ officials Judy Oduma and Teresa Catalano stressed the need to reform procurement and audit systems, citing Kenya’s 31% score in the 2020 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.

Mr. Andama reaffirmed the County’s commitment to good governance, a key pillar of Governor Fernandes Barasa’s development agenda. He announced the county’s e-Procurement system is expected to be ready by July 2025, promoting transparency and efficiency.

He added that the county will work closely with the Office of the Ombudsman and County Attorney to ensure compliance with public finance and procurement laws.

Present were Chief Officers CPA Samson Otieno (Economic Planning), Dr. Phitalis Masakhwe (Service Delivery), CHRP Prisca Otipa (Public Service), Dr. Barrack Otieno (Resource Mobilization), Ms. Elizabeth Asichi (CEO, KCIDA), and other senior county officials.

KCIDA CEO, Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, yesterday hosted a delegation from AgriPlant Kenya, a youth-led enterprise championing affordable, climate-smart agricultural solutions for enhanced food and animal production.
The visit explored potential areas of collaboration to drive agricultural transformation and strengthen food security in Kakamega County. AgriPlant Kenya, led by CEO Mr. Derrick Mugodo, specializes in innovative technologies such as hydroponics, modern greenhouse installation, sustainable irrigation systems, dam liner installation, agronomy support, and partnership farming models. The company has already established 112 functional units across Kenya and Uganda.
Mr. Mugodo expressed appreciation for the engagement, noting that strategic partnerships with counties like Kakamega are essential in supporting smallholder farmers to diversify and scale their production practices.
Ms. Asichi commended the AgriPlant team for their comprehensive presentation and reaffirmed the County’s commitment to facilitating impactful partnerships. She emphasized that food security and wealth creation remain top priorities under the leadership of Governor Fernandes Barasa.
The CEO further highlighted the importance of integrating capacity-building efforts through linkages with institutions such as Bukura Agricultural College and local County Polytechnics to enhance awareness and uptake of modern agricultural practices.
The meeting was also attended by officers from the County Department of Agriculture and KCIDA’s technical team.

On behalf of H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW H.E Hon. Ayub Savula, had the privilege of welcoming the senior management team of Practical Action UK led by the Chair of the Board, Ms. Sazini Mojapelo, CEO Ms. Sarah Roberts , and Country Director Kenya, Ms. Susan Maina, along with their teams.
 
This first-time visit to Kakamega County was truly remarkable as we officially opened Practical Action’s new office in Kakamega—a significant boost to own-source revenue and job creation for locals.
 
Through the CE4HOW project, Practical Action is championing the concept of “Waste is Wealth”, improving the working conditions of waste actors by training them, providing PPEs, and promoting waste segregation at source.
 
During the visit, the Deputy Governor handed over two concept notes from the Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency to the Chair of the Board for consideration on regenerative agriculture and renewable energy, which will support citizens and drive economic growth.
 
The team also visited key waste management and agricultural innovation sites, including:
✅ Refuse chambers
✅ The dumpsite
✅ Regen Organics factory at Matawa Industrial Park
 
The team was impressed by the progress made since the prior donor visit by Danida Green Business Partnerships / Danida Market Development Partnerships , as Regen Organics is now aggregating organic waste from households and markets in Kakamega and Mumias Municipalities to produce organic fertilizer, which is available in all NCPB stores in Kakamega County.
 
The County Government, under the leadership of Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa, is committed to improving food security by encouraging farmers to embrace organic fertilizer for better soil health and sustainability, reducing the long-term effects of chemical fertilizers.

KCIDA is facilitating a strategic collaboration between Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Hydrobox as part of efforts to establish renewable energy production in Kakamega County.

During a recent engagement, Hydrobox CEO Thomas Poelmans and his technical team met with MMUST’s management, recognizing the university as a key offtaker for the power project. Beyond business, this initiative will create internship and attachment opportunities for MMUST students pursuing electrical, hydropower, and solar energy courses, equipping them with hands-on experience in renewable energy.

With frequent power outages hindering development, H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW has prioritized attracting investors in power generation to support industrialization and key institutions that rely on a stable and sustainable energy supply.

Hydrobox specializes in developing modular, containerized hydropower plants that generate affordable, sustainable, and reliable electricity. The company has successfully implemented similar projects in Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Embu counties, providing power to schools, hospitals, tea factories, and households—demonstrating its commitment to clean energy solutions that drive local development.

This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing energy resilience and fostering skills development in Kakamega County.

#RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #PoweringProgress#Hydropower #GreenEnergy #KCIDA hashtag#Kakamega #EnergyInnovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #Industrialization #SkillDevelopment #UniversityPartnerships

Following the MoU signing between Hydrobox and the County Government of Kakamega during KAIICO 2024, the county is making significant strides in attracting investors and driving growth in the energy sector.

This week, a high-level delegation from Hydrobox, led by CEO Thomas Poemans and Project Manager Laure Lammens, visited Kakamega County to conduct data collection on energy load requirements, focusing on commercial viability, site assessments, and potential offtakers. The team engaged key businesses, universities, polytechnics, major hotels, private schools, public and private hospitals, and malls within Kakamega Municipality.

Hydrobox was received by the Deputy Governor on behalf of H.E the Governor. The technical team visits were led and overseen by the CEO, Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, alongside her team, as KCIDA continues to drive strategic partnerships. The study covered solarization of major facilities, assessment of potential energy demand, and hydro power site evaluations along Rivers Isiukhu and Yala, paving the way for expanded clean energy solutions.

Hydrobox remains committed to Empowering Individuals and Transforming Communities through clean, affordable energy.

Kakamega is set to host a maize milling plant in Lugari Sub-County, a key step in boosting food security and economic growth.

 H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW met today with Mr. Walingo Chiruyi, CEO of Fuka Feeds Limited, the investor behind the project. The plant, set for commissioning in April, will:
✅ Contract 1,800+ maize farmers
✅ Create 1,000+ jobs in Phase I
✅ Expand to benefit 5,000+ farmers and 3,000+ jobs in Phase II

Facilitated by Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency, this investment is a direct success from the inaugural Kakamega International Investment Conference KAIICO 2024, Held in March last year

#InvestInKakamega #KAIICO2024 #KCIDA #FoodSecurity #EconomicGrowth #MaizeMilling #JobCreation #AgriBusiness

Great news for farmers in Kakamega and beyond! Regen Organics, by The Sanergy Collaborative , has launched full-scale commercial production and sale of organic fertilizer at Matawa Industrial Park and leading Agrovets in Kakamega County.

The fertilizer made from household and market waste:

✅ Boosts soil health & fertility
✅ Enhances nutrient absorption for higher yields
✅ Improves water retention & resilience to dry spells
✅ Eco-friendly, reducing mineral runoff
✅ Best results when blended with inorganic fertilizer for maize & sugarcane production

This initiative, launched by H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW, is transforming waste management by converting household and market waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, with support from the Practical Action in Kenya CE4HOW project.

The Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA) is committed to supporting investors and ensuring farmers access quality agricultural inputs for better yields.

Grab your 50kg bag today at an affordable price from leading Agrovets and NCPB stores near you!

#GovernorBarasaDelivers#RegenOrganics#SustainableFarming#SoilHealth#CircularEconomy#OrganicFertilizer#InvestKakamega#GreenBusiness

On 30th January 2025, the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA) team, led by CEO Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, was warmly received at UNIDO Kenya’s Nairobi office by Mr. Fundi Ngundi, Finance Expert – East Africa. The engagement provided an opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration with UNIDO’s Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit.

Discussions centered on KCIDA’s request for technical support to strengthen its autonomy by aligning its strategies with major donor priorities. This alignment is expected to enhance the Agency’s ability to attract investment and development financing while reinforcing its role in driving economic growth in Kakamega County.

Key Areas of Support Under Discussion:
Technical Guidance – Enhancing investment strategies and frameworks.
Capacity Building – Access to UNIDO Training Academy’s internationally recognized courses.
Pre-feasibility & Feasibility Training – Equipping KCIDA officers with UNIDO’s tools for proposal development.
Global Linkages – Potential connections to DFIs, investors, and development partners aligned with Kakamega’s growth agenda.

A Strong Foundation for Future Investment Promotion:
The UNIDO team commended KCIDA’s successful Kakamega International Investment Conference, KAIICO 2024 and expressed interest in supporting a B2B Investor Matchmaking Forum to help unlock and finalize investment opportunities.

Accompanying the CEO were Mercy Nyakang’i, Principal Research & Development Officer, and Mr. Benjamin Osore Maina, Senior Investment & Promotion Officer.

This engagement marks a critical step in positioning Kakamega as a competitive investment destination, with more developments expected as discussions advance.

#KCIDA #UNIDO#InvestmentCollaboration#CapacityBuilding #SustainableDevelopment #KakamegaInvestments #KenyaInvestments #PublicPrivatePartnerships #B2BInvestments #GlobalPartnerships #KAIICO2024

In a significant step towards advancing renewable energy in Kakamega County, a technical team from Hydrobox, led by Eng. John Munene, commenced an intensive fieldwork exercise to map and identify potential sites for solar and hydro power generation. This transformative initiative aims to provide affordable and sustainable electricity to residents and businesses, leveraging the county’s natural resources.

The Hydrobox team was warmly received by the CEO of the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA), Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, who emphasized the agency’s commitment to facilitating strategic partnerships that drive development.

Joining the technical team were Mr. David Lumbasi and Mr. Benjamin Osore Maina Maina from KCIDA, underscoring the collaborative efforts between Hydrobox and the agency to onboard anchor customers and bring the vision of renewable energy closer to reality.

This project reflects Kakamega County’s dedication to sustainable development under the leadership of H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW , and the commitment of key stakeholders and other development partners.

Together, we are setting the foundation for a greener and more prosperous future in Kakamega.

#RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #HydroPower #Sustainability #GovernorBarasaDelivers #KCIDA #Hydrobox #KakamegaDevelopment