Nura Kemis 
The Forum to stimulate economic activities in tourism, agriculture, and blue-economy
Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has partnered with Lamu County Government to host an investment forum ahead of the 21st Annual Lamu Cultural Festival.
The investment forum aims to galvanize efforts towards fostering sustainable economic growth in the region by encouraging long-term financial strategies and linking investors with opportunities in the coastal region.With a focus on creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, the forum seeks to attract investments that will contribute to the county’s economic development and prosperity.
Themed Promoting Long-term Finance for Sustainable Economic Growth and Job Creation” the forum is set for 28th November 2023 at Mwana Arafa Hall, Lamu Island. It will bring together local and international investors, investment professionals, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore and harness investment opportunities in Lamu County.
Speaking ahead of the forum,KDC Director General Norah Ratemo said that the forum will serve as a catalyst for regional development and promote Lamu as an attractive investment destination to enhance its contribution to Kenya’s national development agenda and job creation.
“With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and untapped potential, Lamu is a distinctive investment destination.The investment forum is an opportunity to showcase Lamu’s unique strengths and attract the investments that will stimulate development in the region,” Ms. Ratemo said.
“We aim to unlock the potentials of Lamu County by link investors with opportunities and financial arrangements under the public private partnership arrangements.”
On his part, Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy welcomed domestic and foreign investors to Lamu, assuring them conducive investment environment.
“We are confident that the investment forum will stimulate and support the growth of Lamu and the broader Coastal economy, with direct material benefits for our people. We have an ambitious goal to creates employment opportunities for our people, and we believe this is a sustainable way of going about it,” Hon. Timamy said.
KDC and Lamu County will pitch the following investment opportunities during the forum and the weeklong Lamu festival:
- Lamu County Aggregation and Industrial Park,
- A cotton processing ginnery in Bahari Ward,
- A fish processing plant under a public private partnership (PPP),
- A cashew nut factory in Hindi Ward under a public private partnership
- Tourism financing initiatives for festivals and events, destination branding and halal tourism promotion
- Financing avenues for various projects under the Lamu Port South- Sudan, Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Program, and Lamu Special Economic Zone (LSEZ).
- County livestock feed reserves, disease-free zones and fodder production.
The confirmed speakers include,
- State Department for Investment Promotion Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar
- Lamu County Governor H.E. Issa Timamy said
- Kenya Development Corporation Board Chairman Hon Dr. Sakwa Bunyasi
The investment forum will include a combination of key remarks, presentations, panel discussions, and a question-and-answer sessions.
