Counties in the Ukambani region will soon form an economic bloc to spearhead and propel development, Governor Alfred Mutua has hinted.
Mutua while addressing Ukambani professionals on Saturday said that plans to form a lower eastern economic bloc are in the offing.
“I have shared this idea with governor Julius Malombe of Kitui and Kivutha Kibwana of Makueni and soon we will be chatting the way forward,” said Mutua.
Governor Mutua said that the region needs to work together for development.
He observed that the region has resources that can propel development and boost the living standards of the people.
Mutua noted that other regions across the country have economic blocs and are benefiting immensely.
“It is time we as counties in the lower eastern considered joining hands and work together on key areas that will boost development,” he added.
Mutua said that the bloc will focus on trade, farming, infrastructure and agriculture as the main key pillars.
He said that once formed youths will get employment and poverty levels will decline.
A section of residents welcomed the move with Abel Munyao, a resident saying that an economic bloc is good for the region.
“I think the idea by the governor Mutua to have counties in lower eastern form an economic bloc is good for development,” he said.
Sharon Mutheu, a resident said that youth unemployment will be a thing of the past once such a bloc is formed.
“As young people we need jobs and I think through an economic bloc we will be able to get jobs,” she said.
Governor Mutua said that a meeting will be convened soon to chat the way forward on the plan for the counties in the region to form the bloc.