Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has stepped up efforts to deepen collaboration between the county government and the European Union, with talks focusing on devolution, technology, urban development, trade and industrialisation.
Mr Wamatangi held discussions with a delegation from the European Union Political Affairs, comprising deputy ambassadors, deputy heads of commissions and heads of programmes from EU member states.
The delegation was led by Dr Cristina Barrios, Head of Political, Press and Information Systems.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the county government to showcase its development record over the past four years and identify areas where strategic partnerships with the EU could accelerate service delivery and economic transformation.
Governor Wamatangi said Kiambu had made significant progress in key sectors, citing investments in education, healthcare, water, infrastructure, technology and revenue mobilisation.
Among the achievements presented to the delegation was the construction of more than 500 Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centres across the county.
The county also highlighted the construction of 32 new hospitals and the upgrading of 56 existing health facilities as part of efforts to bring healthcare services closer to residents.
The Governor said the administration had also expanded water connectivity while installing about 18,000 solar-powered streetlights across the county.
The street lighting programme, he said, was intended to improve security, extend business hours and enhance connectivity in urban and rural centres.
Kiambu has also embarked on automation of county services as part of efforts to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy and make government services more accessible to residents.
The county further reported a significant improvement in its own source revenue collection, which has risen to more than Sh6 billion.
The increase in local revenue is expected to strengthen the county’s capacity to finance development programmes while reducing over reliance on transfers from the national government.
The discussions with the EU delegation also explored areas of possible collaboration in information and communication technology, urban development, trade and industrialisation.
Particular attention was given to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Githunguri, which the county sees as a potential catalyst for value addition, agro processing, job creation and expansion of markets for local farmers.
The county also presented investment opportunities linked to the gazetted 325 acre Economic Processing Zone at the planned Thika Industrial City.
The proposed industrial development is expected to strengthen Kiambu’s position as a major investment and manufacturing destination, given its proximity to Nairobi and its extensive transport and commercial networks.
The engagements come as county governments increasingly seek partnerships with development agencies and international organisations to supplement government resources and strengthen technical capacity.
For Kiambu, the focus on industrialisation and urban development is particularly significant as the county grapples with a rapidly growing population and increasing demand for jobs, infrastructure, housing, healthcare and other public services.
The Governor’s administration has increasingly positioned industrialisation and technology as key pillars of its development agenda, alongside investments in social services and infrastructure.
The EU engagement could therefore provide an avenue for Kiambu to attract technical expertise, investment and partnerships in sectors that require significant capital and specialised knowledge.
The discussions also placed devolution at the centre of the engagement, with the county sharing its experience in delivering services and implementing development programmes at the grassroots.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of partnerships between devolved units and international development actors in supporting local economic development and strengthening service delivery.
Governor Wamatangi said the county remained open to partnerships that could deliver tangible benefits to residents while supporting Kiambu’s transformation into a modern, technology driven and investment friendly county.
The engagements are expected to inform further discussions on areas of collaboration between Kiambu and European partners, particularly in ICT, urban planning, industrialisation, trade and economic development.
With its growing industrial base, strategic location and large consumer market, Kiambu is seeking to leverage international partnerships to unlock new investment opportunities and accelerate its development agenda.
