GACHAGUA: Airstrip upgrade will open up coffee market

Governor Nderitu Gachagua plans to upgrade the Nyeri airstrip to an airport.

According to him, construction of the Sh1.5 billion airport at Nyaribo, will open up the international market for coffee and tea farmers in the county.

Kenya is known to produce some of the best coffee in the world and Mr Gachagua intends to set up structures for value addition.

“I have made this a cornerstone for improving the livelihoods of Nyeri County residents and many are going to be covetous of this region,” he said.

Farmers wealth

This, he said, will increase wealth for farmers and generate employment especially in Mathira and Gikanda.

The governor also assured residents that he would modernise farming methods and promote access to affordable credit.

On roads, Mr Gachagua said: “My aim is to upgrade the 1,400km of all weather roads so that every home can have feeder roads for direct connection.”

The road project is to cost Sh1.5 billion.

Speaking during an interview with the Nation, Mr Gachagua stated that lack of processing industries would be a thing of the past.

Cottage industries

“I have already consulted with great leaders in the commerce and manufacturing industries and there is a deal to set up cottage industries not just for agricultural products but also for the production of affordable and modern farm inputs,” he said.

The county government is to develop a policy and support programs that create Producer Business Groups (PBGs) aimed at feeding large wholesale hubs within the county.

This he said is in line with Vision 2030. The Hombe dam which is a key water supplier to Nyeri County is to be improved to reduce overdependence on rain water that he said is unreliable.

“We shall also seek to rehabilitate and protect our forests as important water catchment areas,” he added.