Kenya Industrial Estates Board members led by Acting Chairman Mr. Bob Karina (centre) engage Director of Geocao Engineering Workshop George Twago, in Kisii during the tour of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) projects incubated by the state corporation. (Eric Abuga, Standard)

Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) will boost food security in the country through increased funding of agro-processing industries across all counties.

Speaking during a Board of Director's tour of projects funded and incubated by the parastatal in Mount Kenya Region, acting Chairman Mr. Bob said the state corporation will increase financing enterprises that work in adding value to animal products, cereals, grains, nuts and vegetables. 

"Government support through finance provision for local agro-processing enterprises holds the key to food security and Kenya's self-sustenance" said Mr. Karina. 

KIE's Managing Director Dr. Parmain ole Narikae said support to the agro processing industry will create more employment opportunities.

"Agriculture is a major contributor to country's GDP. When this is combined with the employment in the value chain, the impact of the sector could increase significantly", said Narikae. 

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With its network of 37 branches, KIE incubates and finances SMEs country-wide and therefore plays an important role in the realisation of the manufacturing pillar, one of the Government's big- four agenda.