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Nairobi’s first metalwork, woodwork industry to be setup in Mathare

The ongoing Geotechnical survey at the location site of the metal and woodwork industry park in Mathare , Nairobi on May 6, 2024. (Photo: Nairobi City County Government)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 06 May 2024

The County Aggregation and Industrial Parks project across 27 counties will cost Sh1.45 billion.

The geotechnical survey currently underway in Nairobi county is set to construct its first metal and woodwork industry in Mathare under the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) project.

According to County Executive Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities Maureen Njeri, the geotechnical survey entails testing soil consistency and structure, and the groundwater level will make recommendations for the project based on the results, which include the design drawings and structural designs.

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"The CAIPs project is a joint partnership between the county and the national government that looks into the construction of aggregation and industrial parks in 27 priority counties, Nairobi included," she said on Monday.

The project across the 27 counties will cost Sh1.45 billion.

Njeri noted that the Industrial Park will incorporate waste recycling technologies for both liquid and solid waste and clean energy technologies such as solar and will also support innovation and competitiveness.

"The construction of the Industrial Park is also in line with Governor Johnson Sakaja's manifesto of creating job opportunities in an orderly and humane manner to residents of Nairobi, especially among the youth and women," she added.

Reduce unemployment

The location of the park in Mathare according to City Hall will aid in reducing unemployment and crime rates among the youth.

Chief Officer for Trade and Industries Godfrey Akumali added that the project will create one million job opportunities in the next five years.

He pointed out that the ongoing affordable housing project is a possible and ready market for the standardised products from the Park resulting in revenue creation that is paramount in County service delivery.

In February this year, President William Ruto said the government would allocate Sh1oo million to every county for the construction of Industrial and Aggregation Parks.

He said the move will enhance Kenya's productivity as the nation is prioritising the consolidation, processing, and value addition of agricultural products.

The Head of State also noted that the construction of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks will unlock the industrial potential of counties across the country.

Rolling out of the programme will also broaden opportunities for Kenyans and boost economic growth.

The parks will also enhance the productivity of the agriculture sector in a sustainable manner hence creating inclusive decent jobs, increasing farmers' income, and foreign exchange, and stimulating growth at the grassroots as part of the government's Bottom Up Economic Agenda.