By Yoana Kimwele
The County Government of Kitui has intensified efforts to unlock local investment opportunities through a series of investor sensitisation forums aimed at empowering local investors, cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the county’s Economic and Investment Zones (EIZs). The initiative forms part of the county administration’s broader economic transformation agenda under Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s development blueprint.
Speaking during the Mui Basin EIZ-Based Investor Sensitisation Forum held in Mutitu wa Ndoa Town on June 24, Kitui Deputy Governor H.E. Wambua Kanani said the county was laying a foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth through strategic investment promotion. The forum marked the beginning of a three-day engagement programme scheduled between June 24 and June 26.
The sensitisation exercise targets the Mui Basin EIZ, Mwingi Town and Environment EIZ, and the Kyuso–Muumoni–Ngomeni–Tseikuru–Tharaka EIZ. The initiative is being implemented through the County Ministry of Trade, Industry, MSMEs and Cooperatives as part of efforts to operationalise six Economic and Investment Zones outlined in the Kitui Vision for Social and Economic Transformation (KIVEST) Blueprint and aligned to the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027.
Kanani said the forums are designed to build the capacity of local investors and enterprises by preparing them for investment readiness while also increasing public understanding of the EIZ model and its role in stimulating economic development. He noted that the county intends to position local businesses to fully participate in emerging opportunities.
He further said the programme seeks to showcase Kitui County’s strategic resource endowments and high-impact investment areas while creating awareness on opportunities available within the Kitui County Aggregation and Industrial Park (K-CAIP). Participants are also being prepared for effective participation in the upcoming Kitui Agricultural Show, Trade and Investment Expo (KASTIE) 2026.
The Deputy Governor described the initiative as a major step towards unlocking entrepreneurship and economic opportunities within the county. He said the programme would support business formalisation, strengthen compliance mechanisms, improve access to financing, and promote value addition and market expansion.
“This will be a game changer in unlocking investment opportunities, entrepreneurship and business development, business formalisation and compliance, access to finance, value addition, product standards and certification, export readiness, market access and strategic partnerships,” said Kanani.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industry, MSMEs, Innovation and Cooperatives Rose Mutuku challenged local residents to embrace high-value economic activities capable of creating wealth and supporting local industries. She urged residents to reduce dependency on imported products and instead exploit local production opportunities available within the county.
Mutuku also invited investors, traders and residents to participate in the Kitui Agricultural Show, Trade and Investment Expo (KASTIE) 2026 scheduled for September 24–26 at Ithookwe Stadium. She noted that the event will provide a platform for business networking, showcasing innovations and attracting strategic investment partnerships.
During the forum, the ministry outlined key investment opportunities within the targeted Economic and Investment Zones. The Kyuso–Muumoni–Ngomeni–Tseikuru–Tharaka EIZ offers prospects in irrigation and hydropower along the Tana River, mining, tourism, agriculture, livestock and apiculture.
The Mui Basin EIZ presents opportunities in mining activities including coal, gypsum and gemstones, alongside tourism, agriculture and livestock ventures. Mwingi Town and its environs were identified as a strategic hub for commerce, industry, ICT, financial services and horticultural processing industries. Senior county officials present included Chief Officer for Trade, Industry, MSMEs and County EIZs Michael Kalii and Chief Officer for Energy Henry Nyamai.
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