By Lauryne Akoth
British companies are actively exploring investment opportunities in Kisumu County. Kisumu’s huge economic potential in agriculture and the blue economy are opportunities reportedly viable.
The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, said Kisumu was the gateway to Uganda and Tanzania, presenting huge opportunities for the local and regional markets.
Wigan, who paid a courtesy call on the Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, in his office, Thursday, said the UK government was keen on supporting interested UK companies to invest in the Lakeside County.
His mission, he added, was helping British companies, to undertake public-private partnerships in consultation with the National and County governments, to tap into existing opportunities in the area.
This, he said, was aimed at unlocking permissions and financing options for the interested firms, adding that the move was set to create job opportunities for the residents.
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, welcomed the gesture, saying it would impact positively on the ongoing socio-economic transformative programs in the area.
“We highly welcome private investments by the British companies and we are eager to facilitate the processes, through the British Government and my Administration, ” he said.
The governor further added that he has already developed a framework to engage the UK government, adding that more engagements were lined up to fast-track the process.
The county government of Kisumu welcomed this opportunity considering the county government signed a Sh.31 billion public-private partnership with a UK firm. Consultations are still ongoing with the National government, to kick-start the project.
The governor further added that the multi-billion project would have immense economic benefits for the county as embedded in agriculture and climate finance.