The Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism has raised concerns over the implementation status of the Sh500 million County Aggregated Industrial Park (CAIP) in Kilifi County. During a site visit, committee members questioned how a project of such magnitude could proceed without a feasibility assessment to establish its viability, costs, and implementation requirements before the project commenced. This visit was led by Kitui Senator Enock Wambua and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
Senator Omtatah emphasized that public funds must be backed up by proper planning and public participation. He warned that conducting a feasibility study after the project has commenced would amount to merely justifying decisions already made. The committee also expressed concerns about using a uniform design and costing model across counties, noting that differences in terrain, labor, and material costs could significantly affect project implementation.
Representatives from the State Department for Industry stated that the national government prepared the concept papers for the County Aggregated Industrial Park, but the responsibility for undertaking feasibility studies was assigned to respective county governments. Kilifi County officials explained that the site's sloping terrain had resulted in additional earthworks and costs, with Sh55 million allocated for initial works and Sh50 million already spent mainly on the perimeter wall and earthworks.
The Committee was informed that the National Government has disbursed Sh250 million, while the County Government has allocated Sh50 million in the current financial year. Physical works at the site stand at 25 percent, with payments at approximately 23 percent. The Kilifi County Aggregated Industrial Park is planned to host 80 industrial warehouses for value addition in cassava, poultry, mango, and fish processing.
County officials present stated that everything possible was being done to complete the project as per the schedule. However, the Senate Committee resolved to convene a consultative meeting bringing together the Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, Industrialisation Principal Secretary, and all 47 County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers responsible for CAIPs. This meeting aims to address the concerns raised and ensure the project's successful implementation.
The project's implementation has raised concerns about the use of public funds and the need for proper planning and feasibility studies. The committee's visit and subsequent meeting will be crucial in determining the project's future and ensuring that it meets its intended objectives. The County Aggregated Industrial Park project is a significant initiative aimed at promoting industrialization and economic growth in Kilifi County.
The Senate Committee's concerns and recommendations will be critical in shaping the project's outcome and ensuring that it benefits the local community. The project's success will depend on effective collaboration between the national and county governments, as well as the private sector. The committee's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the project's implementation will be essential in achieving its goals.
Key points
- The Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism has raised concerns over the implementation of the Sh500 million County Aggregated Industrial Park project in Kilifi County.
- The committee expressed concerns about the use of a uniform design and costing model across counties.
- The project aims to host 80 industrial warehouses for value addition in cassava, poultry, mango, and fish processing.
