Governors from 10 counties in Mt Kenya and the Aberdare region have agreed to establish an economic bloc.
The bloc will be launched in Meru on April 18 during a devolution conference.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Laikipia county on Monday, the governors said the bloc will help residents capitalise on economies of scale.
“There are enormous opportunities to be derived from coming together and utilising shared resources to improve lives,” Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said.
The bloc will focus on agriculture and agri-business, energy, healthcare, tourism and water resource management.
Members will include Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi counties.
Seven of the 10 governors attended the meeting, while others sent representatives.
Also present were the counties’ trade executives.
Irungu said the governors are committed to making the bloc fully operational.
They resolved to set up a secretariat in Nanyuki town, he said.
Each county will commit Sh1 million to kick-start its operations and provide other funds, depending on the needs, Irungu said.
He said the partnership will place great emphasis on inclusivity and consultation.
Consultants will be hired to analyse each county and profile it, Irungu said.
Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi said the bloc will make it easier for the region to attract donors.
“There’s normally the assumption that Mt Kenya is rich and does not need donors,” he said.
“But it’s easier to get donor funds as a bloc instead of each county doing so.”
