Homabay targets investors in tourism, agro-processing
Homa Bay County is targeting investments in agro-processing, tourism and real estate, among others, in its three-day investment forum slated for February.
At a pre-investment conference held Thursday in Nairobi, County Governor Cyprian Awiti said the investment platforms exist in 14 key areas including tourism, agro-processing, real estate and education.
The county received a major boost in transport after two aviation operators promised to begin flying the Nairobi-Homa Bay route.
Short-haul carrier Fly540 and Spanish-backed airline Baracuda Airways will make their inaugural flights to the county’s airstrip, located in Kabunde.
The Wilken Group, an East African holding company with interests in aviation, energy and financial markets, pledged to construct a three-star hotel near the 1.3 kilometre runway airstrip.
Extend runway
Fly 540 Commercial Director Nixon Ooko asked the county government to consider improving road infrastructure as well as extend the airstrip runway from the current 1.5 kilometers to 2 kilometres.
“Now we are going to be able to fly the 37-seater aircraft from 28th but we need to have other roads motorable in all weather conditions as well as get a longer runway. Why would we not have a jet land in Homa Bay?” Mr Ooko posed.
“We have a population of 1.3 million people, Homa Bay is ready for investors and we have made all the necessary requirements to smoothen investments in the county. Land, infrastructure and any support will be availed as we seek these key partners in development,” Mr Awiti said.
