Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has lauded the county’s transformation into an investment powerhouse, spotlighting the expansion of Joy Millers Ltd. in Kutus as a major milestone in the region’s agro-industrial journey. Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of a new 600-ton-per-day wheat milling plant at the facility, Waiguru said the county is ripe with infrastructure, resources, and investor-friendly policies to support sustained industrial growth.
Highlighting Kirinyaga’s status as a top agricultural producer, Waiguru emphasized that her administration’s focus extends beyond farming into value addition to increase earnings and employment. “The future lies at the intersection of agriculture and industry, and we are taking deliberate steps to become an agro-industrial hub,” she stated.
She noted that firms like Joy Millers are instrumental in creating value for farmers and employment for the youth, with the company employing over 1,500 young people directly and thousands more indirectly. Waiguru praised the firm as a key economic player in the county’s growth, pointing out that such ventures prove local businesses can scale and thrive within Kirinyaga.
With over half of its land under cultivation, Kirinyaga produces 180,000 tons of rice, 110,000 tons of tomatoes, 42,000 tons of coffee, and 86,000 liters of milk annually. Waiguru said the upcoming Sagana Industrial City will accelerate value addition, housing export processing zones, manufacturing plants, and modern amenities. The 242-acre city has already attracted 57 investors and will focus on sustainable innovation with global market access.
The county’s strategic location along the Northern Corridor, with road, rail, air, and sea freight options, positions it as a vital trade hub. Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui affirmed the national government’s support for local industries, while Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata revealed a partnership with Joy Millers to support Murang’a maize farmers.
Joy Millers proprietor Julius Chomba thanked the county for providing a business-friendly environment. With a population of 674,000 and a Gross County Product of Ksh.161 billion, Kirinyaga is poised to become a leader in agro-industrial development.
