Kisumu County is set to benefit from the Japanese heavy investment in Africa after the Japanese government identified the area as a potential industrial area.
In a fact finding mission that saw the Japanese delegation led by the Senator in charge of investment in Africa Tetsuro Yano and Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Tatsushi Terada tour the area, the leaders expressed desire to invest in the county saying it has a lot of untapped opportunities.
The delegation which met Governor Jack Ranguma at his office on Sunday said the visit was the first step in formulating an agreement which will be signed before the investment kicks off.
Among the areas of focus included industrialisation, health, agriculture and trade.
Ranguma who addressed the delegation pointed out to lack of industries which has seen unemployment rate going up, saying such partnership will open more opportunities for the many unemployed youth.
“Imagine being a fishing county and we do not have a fish industry, being one of the leading rice and cane producers yet no notable industries in such sectors,” said Ranguma.
He also said health was another important sector which needed more investment, with the Japanese delegation promising to set up a health university in the area.
“It is now upon the governor and the ambassador to sit down and formalise everything and we are ready to commence the work as soon as the agreement is signed,” said Yano.
He added: “We have also seen potential in marine transport and we are ready to put something in that.
With Japan’s growing interest in the county, Governor Ranguma expressed confidence that formalising the partnership will have a strong base for the investments.
Last year Japan provided Sh200 million worth of farm machinery to Ahero and Kano Irrigation Scheme, with the county paying Sh60 million and the rest covered by national government and the Japanese grant.
“Kisumu is central to East and Central Africa hence the investment will benefit a big economy. Our Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital serves 13 counties hence overwhelmed so there is need for full university to train health workers,” said Ranguma.