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.

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

Eng. Michael Lwoyelo , MD of Regen Organics, and Ms. Elizabeth Asichi, CEO of Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency (KCIDA), engaged with the Waste Pickers Association in Kakamega to explore collaboration opportunities aimed at increasing the supply of organic waste to the Matawa Regen Organics Plant, which produces organic fertilizer.

The meeting, organized by Practical Action in Kenya through the Circular Economy for Household Organic Waste project, was led by Project Manager Mr. Benon Wasonga. Participants included officers from the Department of Environment, led by Mr. Anthony Munanga, KCIDA, Kakamega Municipality, and the Waste Pickers Association.

#GovernorBarasaDelivers
#RegenOrganics #CircularEconomy #OrganicFertilizer #WasteManagement #Sustainability #ClimateSmartAgriculture #RegenerativeAgriculture hashtag#SoilHealth #CommunityEngagement #Kenya