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New Look on Miraa as Laikipian’s Innovators Make Quality Juice from the Plant

By Jackline Mariga
An innovator in Laikipia County has discovered that miraa can produce an energy drink. According to Eric Githinji one of the directors in Mbaachu Productions, khat juice is a natural juice and healthy. Despite the covid effects, this did not hinder these innovators from coming up with such a great idea.
The process The first important thing is purchasing the miraa which they have a specific brand that
they prefer which is either GIZA or Allel. Miraa is a cash crop commonly found in the neighbouring Meru County that provides the source of raw material. The second phase is squeezing the juice using a juicer. According to Mr Githinji, 1kg of miraa produces about 10 litres of energy drink. Currently, 1kg of miraa costs Ksh.500
but the price varies on season. During the rainy season, the cost of miraa goes down compared to dry seasons, which provides the best time for acquiring this vital product. After squeezing they later add some water up
to the right concentration and lime juice for sweetening the product. To ensure that their
product is purely natural, the team uses citric acid as a preservative. Production is on a daily
basis and sometimes on order.“The juice is sweet when it’s fresh that is why we avoid producing large quantities and refrigerating them,” said Githinji. “We also work on orders of other by-products of miraa known as Muguka,” he added.
The final phase is packaging and marketing. The Mbachu package their juice in a 500 ml plastic bottle which cost ksh.300. They have an outlet at the Cedar Mall in Nanyuki town where they sell their products from. They not only produce the khat juice but are expanding their ideas and now they are manufacturing wine from pineapples.

WIne Products the company makes from Pineapples

The Support of the County Government of Laikipia has been of great help to small business enterprises.
The county government offers business stimulus at a low percentage of 7, after catering for the 5 per cent. Mbachu Producers are enjoying the network they created after exhibiting their products
during the Kenya Industrial week held in Laikipia last year.
“We created a great network and a good number of customers from that time. It was then that we were able to meet the KEBS through the help of Governor NdirituMuriithi,” Githinji said.
He added that after the exhibition on one day one they received an order of more than 300
bottles of the Khat juice. According to Githinji, people think manufacturing can only take place when you have big machinery. To the surprise of many, their manufacturing has a small size squeezer and
fermenters. He urges the people and especially the youth to start small with implementing their ideas and definitely, they will grow.
Like any other business, these innovators have encountered a number of difficulties the main
one being the KEBs standards. They lament that to date KEBS does not have active standards on the khat quality that are to be used. The innovators are hopeful that our country will put into place such measures.

Thriving COVID-19 Business in Laikipia

By Muriithi John
There is a common and hopeful phrase that many uses ‘When one door closes, another one opens. The reality of this has been witnessed with the coming of COVID-19 in the country which forced many businesses to close and
rendered many jobless. The unexpected pandemic forced many to be innovative not only to remain relevant in the market but also be in a position to put food on the table. Among the businesses that came up during the COVID-19 time is the business hub in Down Town, Nanyuki town. Surprising to many, this is not just about entertainment, beer, and meat- there are a total of nine businesses within this compound. All these have come up as different people look for survival means. Were it not for the creation of a good environment for business to thrive by the County Government of Laikipia, these enterprises would have been taken to other counties.

Sir Jay Suits, a business that majored in designing official suits and those for weddings, was hard-hit by the pandemic as people started working from home and social gatherings like weddings were banned. The business had
to be innovative for sustenance despite the setbacks. “We were forced to diversify our fashion designs and increased our products from only official wear to fast-consumer wear as many of our customers were not wearing official outfits as they were working from home,” said James Maina, the Sir Jay Suits. This enterprise now has a range of products like body fragrances, sunglasses, earrings, bomber jackets, lipsticks, throw blankets, customized masks, African print fashions among many others. It has employed two people and also offers attachment opportunities.

McBull Art, also found within the Down Town compound was founded on November 26 after the owner, Kelvin Ndegwa lost his job as an Administrator in Hampton School due to the pandemic. He is now a renowned person who does quality customized furniture and metal sculptures. He also does the construction of structures and interior decorations, fine arts, modifying electric mobility. Ndegwa does not regret starting the new venture despite the challenges he encountered before standing on his feet. “I cannot go back t my former job even if I am offered triple the amount I used to get as now I’m flexible and have time to explore into art,” he said, adding that so far, he has offered employment to two people after a successful three-moth attachment, one being a student from Nanyuki VTC. Muthoni Kirauko whose business, Muthonily Design works closely with that of McBull Art says that COVID-19 has taught her that nothing is permanent and that we should strive to tap into our abilities. “I was working at Panari Hotel as a banqueting coordinator when the pandemic was announced and I was one of the people to be laid down as many eateries closed down. Then I found McBull online and we have been working closely since then,” she said. She says she has received great support especially from women for venturing into wood and metalwork that has been male-dominated.

Also in the same hub is Bon Oqqo Studio which was started by Jeff Waweru in a bid to move from outdoor shooting to indoors and offering unique selling points for photography. It aims at transforming Bonoko (fake) photography to high-end at affordable rates to accommodate all types of clients.

A tattoo center also exists within the same locality called Silent Saint Arts. According to the sole proprietor Denis Gakuru were it not for COVID-19, he would never have thought of coming back to Nanyuki for business. The hub has provided him with an avenue to interact with other like-minded people to give back to society. Starting around June 2021, the business is growing and is expected to stabilize soon and offer employment to the locals.

Chill n’ Grill offers some spice to the business environment with a variety of food. The business gets the vegetables and meat from the local farmers as a way of upgrading them economically. Something that started just like a walk-in has now expanded to employ ten people who work in shifts. “I first in Down Town as a customer and I heard many people asking for a food which was not available at that time. Being a chef having specialized in pastry and desserts, I gladly took advantage of that and came up with this business,” said John Tumuti, the owner, adding that another reason for starting the Grill was to bring together people in the hospitality department that was negatively affecting when eateries were closed as the government tried to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Barburrito is yet another business in the hospitality category that has brought a new variety of food to the area. This is a Mexican dish that caters even to vegetarians. The Down Town side of the beverages also came to be as a result of COVID-19. It came into existence last year when campuses closed down and forced Vincent Otieno the coowner to be stuck at home with nothing to do. The idea was initiated to develop a creative hub where people will have an open space for networking, interaction and generally keeping themselves busy. Soon people started asking for beverages and the idea of Down Town was created and has since created employment for 15 people. These businesses will be celebrating one year anniversary between December 17 to 19 2021 as they celebrate the teamwork that has seen them grow together. Every business will be showcasing its unique products for all. “We are calling it Down Town and Friends Festival to celebrate our progress as were it not for friends and other customers we would not have managed to reach this point,” commented Otieno. The coming together of young people to help each other improve their lives shows what real friends are for and is something to be emulated.

The County Government of Laikipia has also set aside Ksh. 3.3 billion Economic Stimulus in partnership with local financiers to help such organizations acquire loans at a reduced interest rate of 7.5 percent after catering for the 5 percent. This is meant to cushion the MSEs from the harsh conditions of COVID-19. New institutions have also opened up in Nnanyuki like Solution Sacco, New Forties, Toyota Kenya, Quick Mart Supermarket, among others.

Laikipia Lobbying for Reduced Energy Costs for Local Manufacturers

By Vivian Wachira
The energy sector is an important drive to industrial growth by providing fuel to power
the rest of the economy. The County Government of Laikipia is committed to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The electricity rates in Kenya costs range from 23 Kes to 19 Kes for both households and business connections. These higher electricity costs cause enterprises to incur high energy
costs leading to a high cost of production. Higher operational costs have greatly affected Laikipia manufacturers and enterprises countrywide from competing globally due to different pricing of commodities despite them
producing similar products.
The County Government of Laikipia has therefore prioritized the provision of affordable and reliable energy to their manufacturers in order for them to realize industrialization and also improve their livelihoods. This will lead to low production costs causing increased demand for goods and widening the country’s manufacturing base and reducing the taxation of locally produced items and also reducing the price for consumer goods. To implement a collaborative framework that would guide the role of counties, stage Agencies, and Non-state Agencies, the County Government of Laikipia has called upon Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to aid in ensuring a smooth running during the construction of the energy infrastructure. “The County Government has digitalized and published all registry index maps, which are readily available upon request. Access to this information would serve as a guide during the construction of energy infrastructure,” said H.E Governor Ndiritu Muriithi. The ongoing projects in Laikipia County according to Kenya Electricity Transmission- Co limited (keTRACO) includes the transmission
line in the following areas, 132KV NanyukiIsiolo 70 km cable, Nanyuki- Rumuruti 132KV 16.8 km cable, and Nanyuki- Isiolo 132KV 5km cable. The benefits of these transmission projects in Laikipia County will include, enhanced electricity access to the whole of Laikipia County, stabilization of voltages by extending the transmission grind which in turn reinforces the distribution lines, and improvement of power quality in Laikipia County and reduced system losses. Ol-Pajeta Conservancy Energy program which was established back in 2014 with the main objective to provide alternative sources of energy like solar energy, energy cookstoves, and solar lion lights has impacted the community positively whereby, 32 stove builders (youths and women) across 18 communities have been trained, 1379 stove cookers have been manufactured and 180 portable stoves have been sold to
the communities in 2021. Chris Kimanga, the County Director, Energy, and Mining, calls upon all stakeholders to subsidize electricity costs, support energy generation and improve electricity access in order to promote manufacturing, job creation, and improve livelihoods among Laikipia residents.

Nanyuki University of Manufacturing and Enterprise Development Coming

By Kariuki Wangeci
Laikipia County Government in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and Laikipia University,
are at the advanced stage of installing a University college in Nanyuki town whose proposed name in draft report is; Nanyuki University College of Manufacturing and Enterprise Development. Those who chaired: The draft report was presented to Laikipia County Government on 6th December 2021. Deputy Governor HE Deputy Governor John Mwaniki and Laikipia University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joseph Rotich chaired the meeting.

The proposed University College has its niche defined making it stand out. It will offer courses
ranging from Innovation and manufacturing, value addition, enterprise development, rangeland management, animal husbandry and feedlot, Education, among other skill-based courses. This development has been a culmination of a series of meetings that started in April 2018, when Governor Ndiritu Muriithi created a task force, whose mandate was to explore the viability of varsity in Nanyuki, its niche, location, and possible name. The task force after a series of meetings, settled on Laikipia University as suitable varsity to nurture the new college. A technical team
from Laikipia University was crafted to do an establishment proposal that will guide the baby college to realization.
The proposal is dubbed: Proposal for Establishment of Nanyuki University College of Manufacturing and Enterprise Development. Stakeholders have given their input, on improvements and corrections, to be accommodated in the final draft.

The proposed University college will be strategically situated on the outskirts of the town. Neighbouring Nyeri and Meru Counties, being a commercial hub, and a gateway to the northeastern region, the college will only flourish.
Progress: The proposal draft will be refined and later, it will be presented to the Ministry of Education for adoption, and when approved, Laikipia University will be the mentor of the constituent college.
Deputy Governor reiterated County Government’s commitment to having the University  which he said: “will be a sustainable solution to Laikipia, Kenya, and East Africa’s region especially in business hand-holding skills, development and value addition.” Laikipia University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Rotich also promised his Varsity’s readiness to guide the now-to-be 74th University in Kenya, to a full-grown university, emphasizing.
Upon refinement of the draft proposal and input of the stakeholders incorporated, it will be tabled to Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, for approval. Then its installation will begin.
The leaders present during the proposal presentation were: Deputy Governor, HE John Mwaniki; Vice-Chancellor Laikipia University, Prof. Joseph K. Rotich, Deputy Speaker who is also Mukogondo East MCA, Hon. Daniel Nyausi; Chief Officer, Department of Education, James Mwangi; CEO, Laikipia County Development Authority, Jesse Mbuthi; and University’s technical team.

Construction Industry in Laikipia Registers Growth

By Nahashon Maina
Construction industry in Laikipia has grown almost double in the last three years.
Investment in the sector, hit Kshs 4.5 billion in 2020 up from Kshs 3 billion in 2019 and Kshs
2.5 billion in 2018. The residential buildings took the chunk of this investment with Kshs 1.8 billion invested as appetite for residential space keep on growing, Laikipia Statistical Abstract 2021 indicates. Industrial segment is one of the areas witnessing interest among investors within
county as the number of industries and warehouses emerge. This can be attributed to efforts by the Laikipia Innovation and Enterprise Development Programme support model to SMEs towards industrialization. This can also be attributed to continued planning of urban centres and regeneration of small towns
under the Smart Towns Initiative. Data in the statistical abstract indicates that the industrial space increased from 1,696M3 in 2017 in 2020. The total investment in the
same period rose to Ksh 1.2 billion from Ksh 65 million in 2017.
The construction industry continues to be one of the leading employers in the county with
over 7,000 jobs. In 2020, the builders in the county consumed 3.07 million (50 kg) cement
bags bought from 213 outlets in the county. Growth in the construction industry is a key indicator of a performing economy. Projects such as malls, office blocks, holiday homes and estates also contributes to the improved performance of the sector as investors rush in to meet the demand for decent housing in urban centers across Laikipia.
In 2020, Unison Sacco signed a contract with Nanyuki Water and Sewerage Company
(NAWASCO) a sewerage system on its 542 acres at a cost of Ksh 32 million. The Sacco is constructing a well-planned residential estate within Nanyuki town known as Taji Gardens. The partnership will ensure that the estate has utilities such as water, electricity and sewer system. Proper urban development will assist in solving sanitation issues while also offering conducive living conditions to tenants. With the return of the railways services, industries within Nanyuki will benefit from convenient and cheaper transportation of cargos out of
the county. Laikipia county is strategically placed at an intersection with some of mega projects by the national government driving the increased investments. To take advantage of the LAPPSET corridor, the county intends to establish serviced industrial zones in Rumuruti, Nyahururu and Nanyuki as it seeks out to position Laikipia as a logistic hub. For economic growth, the county is supporting enterprises to drive industrialization in Laikipia. The utilization of locally available resources can propel growth of industries that
attracts manufacturing investors. The county has been carrying out mineral mapping exercise and
laboratory test shows the county to have deposit. in iron ore and limestone. Limestone is the raw
materials used in the production of cement and the hope is that once exploration begins it will
low the cost in construction industry. Manufacturing sector is one area that the county is banking on to create wealth and employment opportunities through value chain linkages. The county is also upgrading 10 centers into smart towns to create an enabling environment for investors.

Kenyans Impressed By Laikipia’s Industrialization Model

By Muriithi John
Laikipia has demonstrated that it is possible for Kenya to become an industrialized nation by
2030. Chosen by the State Department Industrialization as the host of this year’s Africa Industrialization
Week, Laikipia clearly impressed top government officials and other agencies charged with the responsibility of driving the industrialization process with its practical SME growth model. “Kenya may not industrialize unless we make drastic changes. Not just to policy – which is wrong because it promotes imports of machines and tools. We must also match policy pronouncements with appropriate action, and at scale,” Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, a former assistant minister for industrialization said.
There was no question that Laikipia’s model is the path that the government agencies should follow
if they were truly committed to driving the industrialization process. “The Governor has shown passion in helping
these MSEs growth. I’ll consult the CS so that we
open a KIRDI (Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute) branch in here. We go where we are needed and where there is proof that our services are in dire need,” said Industrialization chief administrative secretary David Osiany.
Laikipia’s model is so far handholding 1,545 enterprises with a number of them ripe for graduation to the secondary manufacturing tier. These enterprises have so far created 22,000 jobs both
directly and indirectly. Through the Laikipia Innovation and Enterprise
Development Programme, the enterprises the enterprises get 360 degree business advisory services from 200 business development officers.
The county in partnership with several financial institutions has put together Kshs3.3 billion fund
from where local enterprises can access up to Kshs 4 million.
“The aim is to reach 5,000 businesses. If this is replicated in all the 47 counties, we will be achieving true industrialization,” Governor Ndiritu Muriithi told the guests. Kenya may not industrialize unless we make drastic changes. Not just to policy – which is wrong because it promotes imports of machines and tools- but by matching policy pronouncements with appropriate action, and at scale!

One of the main reasons for government existence is to create an enabling environment for
business to thrive.
As a proof that Laikipia is progressing well towards industrialization, the Ministry chose
Laikipia to be the venue for the Africa Industrialization Week. This helped in bringing together different bodies that should facilitate manufacturing in the country.
Top government officers agreed that the Laikipia model should be rolled out to the rest of the counties to realize an industrialized country. Some products produced in Laikipia have gone to the international market.
Industrialization PS Amb. Kirimi Kaberia insisted on the need to open and support industries where raw materials are and not transporting raw material to industries. Calling upon people to utilize Laikipia products, Amb. Kaberia gave an example of Mwireri Drier, which has a solution to aflatoxin. “We have in the past had some millers who could not buy Kenyan maize because it has aflatoxin which comes because of mishandling of the cereals. And here we are saying, pick
your maize, dry it in the right way and with that we will be able to increase not only value
but also shelf life,” said Amb. Kaberia. On his part PS State Department of Trade Amb. Johnson Weru said that time is now ripe for Kenyans to fully exploit all the available markets for local products.
“We have reached a certain stage in our development where we must go beyond our
boundaries. If you are able to take your products in neighboring countries, we have collapsed and still collapsing these markets in COMESA, CEDC, EAC and African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Amb. Weru. Amb. Weru insisted that the main reason for
having bodies of standard certification is to ensure the products comply to the standard
requirement of other countries for competitiveness.
“Our ambition is to produce what we are currently importing. That is why we have this day to give impetus and hope to our local manufacturers,” said Amb. Weru.
Governor Muriithi insisted on the need to put our money where our mouth is to realize true
development. We also need to believe in ourselves and the products produced within our
boarders. It is impossible to get out of poverty without industrializing.
Laikipia has high percentage mineral deposits that need to be exploited and enable the county to lower cost of production for the manufacturing industries. This will in turn help in achieving true independence. True independence comes from control of your means of production for the items you consume every day.

Dressing Africans with African Fabric Fashion

Judy Githogori is not your average tailor. She is a fashion designer set on making the world a better place through her love for fashion. Situated at Oljabet town, Laikipia county, Judy has a designing shop where she specializes in Ankara fabric. The reason for choosing this kind of fabric for her designs is to encourage Africanization among Kenyans. Her inspiration comes from showing that even Ankaras-popularly known as kitenge-can also be fashionable. Most Kenyans, especially the youths, have welcomed the western way of dressing and that is what she is trying to rectify. She started her business in 2017 after the contract to her employment ended. She chose Oljabet as her base of operation because it is her home town and the cost of living is low. Since it is quite a small town, she only uses it for production purposes. Her marketing strategies include; loyal customers who help publicize her designs, online marketing on Facebook and Jamaa Supermarket in Nyahururu town which acts as a middle man in selling her products. What makes her business stand out is that her clothes are trendier than the others in their locality. The designer has offered employment to a number of residents who help in navigating her day-to-day business in both temporary and contractual capacities.

As one of SMEs under the Laikipia Innovation and Enterprise Development Programme, Judy had the opportunity to promote her products in Mombasa during a recent marketing foray by the local stakeholders. The event aimed at promoting Laikipia economy gave her a platform to expose her products to a bigger population. She attributes her success to the Innovation and Enterprise Development programmes. “If it were not for the innovation programme, I would not have got some of the clients I have right now,” Judy says. The programme has helped her acquire exposure and expanded her business through more clientele. Her motivation comes from helping the less fortunate people from her community. She sponsors a couple of students where she pays for their school fees and buys them all the necessary items needed in schools. She says that the more sales she makes, the more she is able to give back to the society. Just like any other business, she experiences challenges such as unresponsive residents who have not yet grasped the aspect of fashion and Ankara culture. Her support system is quite varied, from her family to the county government.

She is a beneficiary of the Laikipia economic stimulus where the county government in conjunction with several banks help Laikipia businesses get back on their feet after being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Judy advises the youths to follow their dreams and for parents to be supportive in their children’s careers. She has been looked down upon because of the path she chose for a career since she is a university graduate. “If you are talented and passionate about something, pursue it. Your passion is what drives you because whether you are making money or not, you enjoy doing it,” Judy also credits her success to selfdiscipline and focus. Self-discipline encourages one to push themselves and focus enables devotion and commitment to a particular goal. She stands by two values: Integrity and Honesty. She believes that one’s word is their bond. “If you make a promise, make sure you see it through to the end. Stick to your word.” She has a vision of expanding her business not just countrywide but also worldwide with her aspiration being Zara. She also hopes to employ more staff, preferably ten or more permanent staff. She sticks to the phrase all work and no play makes jack a dull boy. In her off days she enjoys morning jogs and spending time with family. Even though her work is demanding, she finds the balance to take care of her mental and physical health. As Kenyans, we should promote our very own. We build ourselves. We should not go outside the country buying what we can produce for ourselves. Let us market our products among ourselves.”

Early Fruits of Marketing Destination Laikipia in Mombasa

A team of 20 tourists from Coast has already confirmed their visit to Laikipia before end of November 2021, exactly a week after Laikipia made a marketing blitz in the coastal city of Mombasa. Various stakeholders showcased Destination Laikipia’ Products in Mombasa. The county government facilitated a meeting between Laikipia Tourism Association and their Mombasa counterparts. During the Coast visit, the two associations agreed to partner and market the two regions for mutual benefits. “There were over 25 exhibitors from manufacturing and tourism. The ones who could not make it had sent their exhibitions of which eight are in the Laikipia Innovation and Enterprise Development Programme,” Trade and Tourism CECM Biwott Tirop said.

According to the CEC there were many successful presentations that wooed many people triggered the desire to visit Laikipia. Another team from Mombasa Tourism Association will be in Laikipia from November 17 to 21 this year hosted by Laikipia Tourism Association to come and sample what Laikipia has for easier marketing. “We will have a MoU with the Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) and Laikipia Tourism Association for joint marketing and developing the complementary tourist products. This will ensure that tourists on a say like 10 -day visit to the country may spend six days at the Coast and the rest in Laikipia,” said Biwott. Laikipia also managed to sell some of the products made in the county. Laikipia has the best beef in the region and thus the participants were given some samples of over 700 kg premium beef to have a taste. During one of the meetings, Kenya Airports Authority assured that the construction and renovation activities of Nanyuki Airstrip will be complete by mid-December this year. This will have a direct impact on the number of visitors coming to Nanyuki and Laikipia at large henceforth. At times tourists have been coming to Laikipia just for game drives. The coastal visit provided the tourism sector to showcase how to add value to that service. Now visitors can combine the drive with quality beef and mountain climbing.

Some may ask, why go to Mombasa and you want visitors to come to Laikipia? The CECM says it was an opportunity for Laikipia to tell her own story. “Statistics from tourism sector show that coast receives the second highest number of tourists from all over the world after Nairobi, and thus we had gone to take advantage of this. Also, the Coast tourism is well structured and we have a lot to learn from them,” said the CECM. He explains that the association has managed to lobby for chartered flights from across the globe to destination Mombasa. Currently, they are working with two airlines- one a weekly flight from the Netherlands, and another weekly from Czech Republic. The duo carriage way coupled with the railway will also enhance more tourists to come to Laikipia, especially those who like road trips. “I am confident that this December Laikipia will be full especially after the new market from the Coast region,” Biwott said. He urges the hospitality players to ensure their services are always up to standard to cater for the huge numbers expected.