The UK Government, through their Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, has announced a Ksh13 billion investment plan in the Big 4 agenda.
In a meeting with the Foreign Affairs CS Monica Juma, Hunt announced that the UK government would build a total of 1200 housing units at Tatu City in support of the affordable housing scheme valued at Ksh6 billion.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Head of Communications at the British High Commission, Alice Simpson, revealed that they intend to build a Ksh6 billion solar power plant in Kilifi county dabbed ‘The Malindi Solar Project’ in a bid to reduce the cost of energy in the country and in the process, create employment for more than 250 people in the area.
The project will receive support from the CDC, which is the UK's development finance institution.
The construction will be undertaken by the British company Globeleq.
“This new investment will create hundreds of jobs for Kenyans and will pave the way for future opportunities,” Hunt stated.
He also went on to announce that the UK money minting firm De La Rue will continue to build a pipeline of opportunities creating more jobs in the region.
“I have seen for myself the incredible opportunities opening up between the UK and Kenya and the close partnership which already exists between our countries. It is great to see British investment creating jobs, prosperity, and growth in Kenya and across the continent,” hunt was quoted.
A new innovative joint venture between British firm De La Rue and the Government of Kenya will build on De La Rue’s successful operations in Kenya, to create even more highly skilled jobs for Kenyans. De La Rue already contributes over Ksh1 Billion to the Kenyan economy on an annual basis, through wages, rent, taxes, and purchases from local suppliers.
The firm, which manufactures paper and security printed products including banknotes, employs 300 Kenyans directly and provides employment opportunities for 3000 Kenyans through its supply chains. A new Ksh1.4bn investment to upgrade their facilities will build a pipeline of new opportunities in the region, generating revenue and creating even more high-quality jobs in Kenya.
The Foreign Secretary also announced an additional KSH 186 million package of support targeted at the creative industries in Kenya and Nigeria.
The Creative Enterprise programme will help 540 entrepreneurs from across the two countries access training and support in the UK.
“Are you a young person working in the creative industries? Foreign Secretary announced a Ksh 186 million package of support for the creative industries in Kenya and Nigeria during his visit. Keep an eye on @ke_british for more info on this opportunity,” he indicated.
