KenInvest eyes lower Eastern region

By John Oyuke

Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) has announced a new partnership to identify and implement homegrown projects to empower the people of lower Eastern Region.

Managing Director Susan Kikwai said the alliance with Mutui Museo, a group of professionals from Ukambani, would map out resources to the advantage of the region.

She said this alliance is part of the measures the Government is taking to create an enabling environment for foreign and domestic investments.

Kikwai was speaking during the launch of South Eastern Investment Conference & Expo dubbed SEICO 2011 in Nairobi, on Friday.

Keninvest has partnered with Mutui Museo, Bola Associates Ltd, and other private stakeholders for the event.

The South Eastern Investment Conference and Expo would be held at the Machakos Municipal Stadium from April 7 to 8.

Launch meeting

Members of Parliament and members of Mutui Museo who comprise council of elders from counties in Ukambani attended the meeting.

Co-ordinator of the events, Malei Nthiwa dismissed the notion that people from Ukambani are poor.

"The area is endowed with resources that can sufficiently serve residents with enough food and resources that can develop the area ," he said.

Nthiwa said the partnership with KenInvest would create a chance to empower the people of Ukambani using their own resources, which at the moment are being repatriated back to foreign investor’s countries or benefiting other counties.

Mutui Museo Chairman Isaac Kalua tasked members to identify potential investment opportunities.

He challenged professionals to spearhead development to empower their people.