Kirinyaga County, with a Gross County Product of Sh161 billion and a population of 674,000, is aiming to become a leading agro-industrial hub, Governor Anne Waiguru announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at Joy Millers Ltd. in Kutus during the launch of new wheat milling equipment, Waiguru said the county has the infrastructure and agricultural strength to attract major investments.
She stated, “The future lies at the intersection of agriculture and industry and we are taking deliberate steps towards becoming an agro-industrial hub.” The new milling equipment can process 600 tons of wheat daily, which Waiguru described as a major step in creating value for farmers and jobs for the youth.
Waiguru highlighted that companies like Joy Millers help farmers earn better prices and provide over 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect ones.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to witness yet another milestone in our journey of growth. This new equipment is not just a symbol of expansion but also a celebration of consistent success, local partnership, and the bold future we are building for our people," Waiguru said.
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She added that Kirinyaga produces large volumes of rice (180,000 tons), tomatoes (110,000 tons), coffee (42,000 tons), and dairy (86,000 litres) each year.
She believes the county is ready to take the next step by adding value to these products and connecting to international markets.
Waiguru also spoke about the Sagana Industrial City, a 242-acre project that will include export processing zones, manufacturing plants, a golf course, a four-star hotel, and affordable housing.
She said 57 investors have already shown interest and promised that her administration will streamline regulations to attract more.
The county’s location along the Northern transport corridor gives it access to road, rail, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the Mombasa port, making it easy to connect with global markets.
Joy Millers Ltd. proprietor, Julius Chomba, thanked the governor for providing “a conducive and stress-free environment for the business to thrive in the county.”
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, said the national government is committed to supporting local industries, adding, “No country can develop without value addition and agro-processing,” and praised Joy Millers for showing that local businesses can succeed.
Murang’a Governor Dr Irungu Kang’ata praised the company as well, noting that his county has partnered with it to buy maize from Murang’a farmers, ensuring them a steady income.
With these developments, Kirinyaga is positioning itself as a strong player in Kenya’s agro-industrial sector, combining agricultural production with industrial growth.
