MPs raise concerns over delayed implementation of CAIPs

The National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee has expressed concern over the slow progress in the implementation of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) projects in various counties, despite billions of shillings being allocated for these initiatives. The Committee, led by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, scrutinized the State Department for Industry's handling of the CAIP projects following recommendations from the Auditor-General's reports for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years.

State Department for Industry Principal Secretary, Dr Juma Mukhwana, along with senior officials from the department and its agencies, appeared before the Committee to address the audit queries. The Auditor-General's report highlighted the non-implementation of some CAIP projects, even though funds allocated for their development were transferred to other government entities.

Notably, Sh263.16 million was transferred to five counties—Nyamira, Mombasa, Murang'a, Nakuru, and Nandi—that faced delays in starting their respective CAIP projects.

The Committee emphasized that failure to meet the planned timelines for these projects could negatively impact service delivery and deprive the intended beneficiaries of the economic opportunities these industrial parks promise. Dr Mukhwana clarified that the State Department's role in the CAIP program primarily involves monitoring and evaluation, while the actual implementation lies with the respective county governments.

Mukhwana assured the MPs that the State Department remains committed to monitoring the projects' progress and supporting counties in their implementation.

However, the Committee questioned the State Department's capacity to effectively oversee the projects and cautioned against counties proceeding without sufficient national government monitoring. Mwale stressed that the national government has made significant investments in the CAIPs and urged for a comprehensive status report detailing the implementation status of all CAIP projects nationwide. Dr Mukhwana promised to deliver this report to the Committee within a week.