Governor Ndeti and KFS Chief Alex Lemarkoko seal deal to protect Machakos forests.
Machakos has struck a deal with a Chinese-American investors' group to build a state-of-the-art industrial park in the long-delayed Machakos City project.
The agreement, signed with the Association of American Chinese CEO Society (ACCS), forms part of a renewed bid to attract investment into the smart city plan, first proposed over a decade ago but stalled by setbacks.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who presided over the signing, said the deal signals a shift from ambition to action. County officials called the park a “flagship investment” expected to create jobs and draw in complementary industries.
The announcement came alongside two other partnerships. The county signed a memorandum with the Kenya Forest Service to transfer and protect county-managed forests, with the governor pledging full support for conservation.
“I would like to see our forests flourish, and with my team, I will give whatever support to ensure we protect our forests,” Ndeti said during a meeting with KFS Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko.
In a separate agreement, the Kenya Red Cross will set up a warehouse, training institute and administration block in the county.
