China deepens ties with Kenya's devolved units

More than one million people from western Kenya are expected to benefit from an ambitious integrated urban development initiative -- from having access to clean water to well-lit streets and employment opportunities.

In a significant step towards strengthening sub-national cooperation between China and Kenya, the county government of Homa Bay has signed an agreement with China's Taloya Technology Co to develop the county's infrastructure.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who presided over the signing ceremony on Tuesday, hailed the partnership as a historic milestone for the county and a landmark for China's engagement with Kenya's devolved units of government.

"We are proud to be one of the first counties in Kenya to ink a large-scale China-backed development program and actualize the commitments made during President Ruto's visit to Beijing," he said, referring to Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to China in April, during which a series of cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries.

"This is the kind of development our people have been waiting for. It will create jobs, stimulate local enterprises and elevate Homa Bay's profile both nationally and internationally," she said.

Among the flagship projects to be implemented by Taloya Technology is the construction of a modern water treatment plant, which will connect over 250,000 households to clean, piped water.

Despite being located on the shores of Lake Victoria - Africa's largest freshwater lake - access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge for many residents.

In addition, the county will benefit from installation of 4,000 solar-powered streetlights to improve security and support nighttime economic activity across urban centers and markets in the rural-based county.

The Chinese-based firm also promised to deliver a mega shopping mall and the first five-star hotel in western Kenya, further positioning Homa Bay as a growing hub for trade, tourism and investment.

The integrated development initiative in Homa Bay county reflects the growing role of county governments in advancing the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation or FOCAC.

It is among the first local partnerships under renewed bilateral agenda, which focuses on high-quality development in key sectors such as infrastructure, green energy, water security and tourism.

Taloya Technology pledged to deliver the project with efficiency and sustainability, leveraging its international experience in large-scale infrastructure development and smart urban solutions, according to Homa Bay county government.

Elsewhere in Kenya, more Chinese companies have expressed growing interest in tapping cooperation opportunities with local governments in Kenya, including two firms having signaled plans to establish agro-processing industries, including manufacturing sheds for detergent production and other value-added goods.

Irungu Kang'ata, Murang'a county governor, told China Daily that the county is offering an attractive package of special economic zone incentives, including a 10-year tax holiday and reduced corporate tax rates to attract foreign direct investment.

"We are committed to fostering industrial partnerships that promote value addition in agriculture — particularly in avocado, mangoes, tea, coffee and maize — while positioning Murang'a as a competitive destination for investors," Kang'ata said.