Nakuru County had the privilege of hosting Her Excellency, the U.S. Ambassador, Meg Whitman, and her delegation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of their visit was to identify high-impact investment projects within Nakuru that could be presented to American investors and business leaders.
The meeting, which was attended by Nakuru County Governor H.E. Susan Kihika, Cabinet Executive Members (CECMs), and Chief Officers, was marked by discussions on various potential areas of collaboration. These discussions encompassed Agriculture, Trade, Health, Education, Environmental Conservation, Water, and Sanitation.
Ambassador Meg Whitman commended Nakuru County for its proactive approach to identifying key projects that have the potential to transform the lives of its residents. She expressed the commitment of the U.S. Embassy to pitch these investment opportunities to American investors who are interested in contributing to Nakuru’s growth and development.
Governor Susan Kihika, supported by CECMs and Chief Officers, presented a range of impactful investment projects. These projects included:
- A potato factory and dairy processing plant.
- A portable water treatment plant to double the supply of clean and safe drinking water in the county.
- A solid waste recovery plant in Gilgil.
- A Cardiac Specialist Unit at Nakuru Referral and Teaching Hospital.
- A healthcare waste management system at NTRH.
- A revolving fund for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access affordable credit.
Governor Kihika emphasized that Nakuru County is fully prepared to collaborate with investors, both local and foreign, to turn these projects into reality. In a proactive move, the county is planning a County Government breakfast meeting to bring potential investors together. During this meeting, stakeholders will strategize on how to bring these high-impact ventures to fruition.
The visit of Ambassador Meg Whitman and the USAID delegation signifies a significant step towards achieving transformation in Nakuru County. The emphasis is on implementing projects that will not only have a substantial impact on the community but also create sustainable changes in the livelihoods of the people.
The gathering was attended by several key figures, including County Assembly Speaker Joel Karuri, and CECMs for various sectors, including Trade, Agriculture, Education, Water, Health, and Public Service. This collaboration between Nakuru County and the U.S. Embassy highlights the shared commitment to fostering development and prosperity in the region.
Nakuru County remains dedicated to its promise of delivering impactful projects that will enhance the quality of life for its residents and contribute to the growth of the county.
U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman’s Ongoing Engagement with Nakuru County
U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman has maintained an active presence in Nakuru County since the election of H.E Susan Kihika as Governor in August 2022. This emphasizes the importance of bilateral cooperation and development initiatives. Here are some key highlights from her recent visits:
July 10th: Nakuru Governor H.E. Susan Kihika and U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kentegra Ltd pyrethrum processing factory in Naivasha. The factory, with $10 million in funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, symbolizes the integration of agriculture and industry. Governor Kihika expressed gratitude to Kentegra and the U.S. government for selecting Nakuru as the factory’s location, highlighting its potential to create employment opportunities.
December 13th, 2022: Governor Kihika hosted U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman to discuss ongoing collaboration between Nakuru County and the U.S. government. Nakuru County appreciates the support received from the U.S. Embassy, particularly in the health sector. The meeting showcased the commitment to partnerships in various fields, including agriculture, renewable energy, water provision, value addition, and IT.
Women Leaders Roundtable: Ambassador Meg Whitman engaged with Nakuru women leaders to explore opportunities for collaboration with the U.S. government. The discussions revolved around women’s leadership and potential partnerships in agriculture, water, trade, and technology.
These visits underscore the importance of international cooperation in driving development and growth in Nakuru County. The ongoing partnership between Nakuru County and the U.S. Embassy demonstrates a commitment to advancing various sectors and improving the well-being of the local community.
