Government development projects in Wajir County are expected to expand employment opportunities, strengthen local businesses and improve infrastructure, with investments targeting trade, housing, roads, sports and technical education. The Government is implementing these initiatives under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), as highlighted at a stakeholder and citizen engagement forum in Wajir town.
The forum, organised by the State Department for National Government Coordination and the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS), brought together residents and government officials to review project implementation and gather public feedback. Speaking at the meeting, Wajir East Deputy County Commissioner George Onyango, representing the County Commissioner, urged residents to monitor development projects and raise concerns about their implementation.
He encouraged participants to engage officials, ask questions and provide feedback on programmes being undertaken across the county.
Industrial park and modern market expected to boost trade
Among the key investments discussed was the Wajir County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), which is expected to support local production, value addition, market access and the export of locally produced goods. Members of the business community expressed optimism that the facility, alongside the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Modern Market in Elnur, would create more opportunities for traders, producers and other local enterprises.
The two projects are expected to strengthen commercial activities by providing infrastructure that supports business operations and market access. Other major investments highlighted included the Wajir Affordable Housing Programme, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) road projects and Wajir Stadium.
These developments are expected to improve urban infrastructure, connectivity and the environment for economic activities.
Construction projects create opportunities for local youth
The ongoing infrastructure projects have also provided employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers, including young people involved in construction activities. Residents noted that participation in the projects was allowing some youth to gain practical experience and technical skills.
In the education sector, the establishment and improvement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are expected to expand access to technical training and equip young people with skills relevant to labour market needs.
Residents also welcomed the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) hostels, saying the facilities would improve accommodation for students and provide a more conducive learning environment.
Digital hub and public infrastructure among priority projects
The forum also reviewed other government initiatives, including the Tulatula ICT Digital Hub, the Deputy County Commissioner’s office and residence in Elnur, and additional priority programmes being implemented across Wajir County. The digital hub is part of the wider effort to expand access to ICT services and digital opportunities, particularly for communities that may have limited access to technology infrastructure.
Participants included representatives from the business community, Council of Elders, women and youth groups, taxi and boda boda operators, Jua Kali artisans and persons living with disabilities. National and county government officials, National Government Administrative Officers, chiefs, assistant chiefs and members of the Multi-Agency Field Verification Team also attended the engagement.
Public participation to strengthen accountability
The engagement forms part of the Government’s whole-of-society approach to public participation, accountability and monitoring of development programmes. It is intended to give residents an opportunity to assess progress, identify implementation challenges and provide feedback on the impact of 51 high-impact priority government programmes and projects.
For Wajir’s young people, the combination of industrial development, infrastructure investment, digital access and TVET expansion could create pathways into skilled employment, entrepreneurship and local enterprise development. However, the long-term impact will depend on the timely completion of projects, meaningful local participation and the availability of training that matches the skills demanded by emerging industries.