This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
Published on August 6, 2019, Nyeri County is seeking to boost trade in its markets with a Sh1.8 billion fund.
According to Governor Mutahi Kahiga, the county plans to inject the cash in two phases, with the aim of throwing Nyeri markets a lifeline and spurring trade among local and visiting traders.
"We will rehabilitate strategic markets at ward level, subsidize market operations in the county, and ensure that the taxation regime remains affordable to spur trade," Governor Kahiga told the Business Daily.
The county also plans to issue farmers with crops of value in a bid to make agribusiness a driver of wealth creation.
Currently, the county is providing farmers with a million Hass avocado variety, macadamia, and tissue culture banana seedlings.
Agriculture is the second richest sector in the county after real estate, with the county planning to increase irrigation farming projects from 2,600 to 20,000 on 87 hectares to benefit 81,000 families and boost agricultural production.
The county aims to rehabilitate markets in all wards to reduce accessibility to three kilometers.
Governor Kahiga said the county would raise funds from local resources, Treasury allocations, and donors to implement the projects.
The county has enhanced the collection of revenues, raising Sh837 million in the 2018/19 financial year up from Sh643 million in 2016/17.
"Our target for the 2019/20 fiscal year is hitting a billion-plus as our net collection," Governor Kahiga said.
