Garissa County is poised to transform its economic landscape with the development of the County Aggregation & Industrial Park (CAIP), a flagship project under Governor Nathif Jama’s administration that will host eight factories, including those for camel milk processing, tomato paste production, and leather processing.
This ambitious initiative, part of a broader vision for inclusive development and resilience, aims to harness the region’s agricultural and pastoral resources to create jobs, boost local economies, and position Garissa as a hub for value-added production in Northern Kenya.
The CAIP is a cornerstone of Governor Jama’s multi-faceted development agenda, which spans education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and social programs.
By establishing a modern industrial park, the county is capitalizing on its abundant livestock and agricultural resources to drive economic diversification and sustainability.
The inclusion of camel milk, tomato paste, and leather processing factories reflects Garissa’s strategic focus on leveraging its pastoral heritage and agricultural potential to meet both local and regional market demands.
A statement by the County Government of Garissa stated that the camel milk factory taps into Garissa’s rich pastoralist tradition, where camels are a vital source of livelihood.
By processing and packaging camel milk, the facility aims to meet growing demand for this nutrient-rich product in domestic and international markets, while improving incomes for pastoralist communities.
Similarly, the tomato paste factory will support local farmers by providing a reliable market for their produce, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating a value-added product for regional trade.
The leather processing plant, meanwhile, will capitalize on the county’s livestock resources to produce high-quality leather goods, fostering opportunities for artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The CAIP is one of several flagship projects underway in Garissa, alongside a 400-bed Mother & Child Hospital, a modern airstrip terminal, Garissa Stadium, and the Bouralgy Giraffe Resort.
These initiatives reflect Governor Jama’s commitment to long-term development and resilience in a region historically challenged by aridity and economic marginalization.
The industrial park, in particular, is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, with a focus on empowering youth and women through skills training and market access.
Beyond the CAIP, the county has made significant strides in other sectors.
The number of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres has grown from 181 to 328, with 375 teachers employed and a model ECDE centre at Hyuga Girls Primary setting national standards.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, particularly at Garissa Vocational Training Centre, are equipping youth with skills in ICT, mechanics, tailoring, and more, fostering a generation of job creators.
Infrastructure improvements, including smooth highways, all-weather roads, and the elevation of five sub-county towns to municipalities, are enhancing connectivity and economic activity.
Social programs have also flourished under Governor Jama’s leadership. The county has disbursed KSh 38 million to women and youth groups, supported a mass wedding for 80 couples, and launched the inaugural Garissa Cultural Festival to celebrate unity in diversity.
These efforts underscore the administration’s holistic approach to development, blending economic progress with social inclusion and cultural pride.
The CAIP is expected to catalyze Garissa’s economic transformation, positioning the county as a leader in agro-industrial innovation.
By integrating modern infrastructure with local resources, the project aligns with the county’s vision of sustainable growth and resilience.
As construction progresses, local stakeholders are optimistic about the opportunities the industrial park will unlock for farmers, pastoralists, and entrepreneurs.