Machakos County launches Woodtech Centre of Excellence

Machakos County has launched the Woodtech Centre of Excellence located in Grogon, where it also hosted a public participation consultative meeting.

The meeting brought together stakeholders in the wood industry as well as financial institutions, jua kali artisans, banks and Saccos that are committed to the climate change course and affordable housing methodology of environmental conservation and afforestation.

Speaking during the event, Bola Properties Managing Director Malei Nthiwa thanked the Machakos Governor’s office for gracing the event alongside all other stakeholders with a view of transforming the county to have a key centre of excellence where artisans will be able to produce woodtech-related sculptures as well as homemade artefacts.

“This is an unstoppable venture to harness the industry players and stakeholders in a one-stop shop called Woodtech Centre of Excellence. The centre will offer the best technologies in timber processing , solid working machinery, saw milling among others in an effort to build other centres of excellence in all counties across the country,” said Malei.

“It is desired that Machakos Centre of Excellence will promote areas like online advertising, special events like exhibitions showcasing the Jua Kali works as well as partnering with key strategic partners and manufacturers to widen the scope and offer job creation in the woodtech technology.”

In attendance were Machakos Roads CEC Nathaniel Nganga Reuben, his Lands counterpart Phillip Mutua Kilonzo, Sharon Nthoki Mutua who heads Trade docket, and Onesmus Muasya from Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Welfare.

The launch was early this month preceded by a Woodtech Africa exhibition and conference that was hosted in Nairobi at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

It brought together wood industry players in addressing how to maximize the growth of those associated with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as well as other stakeholders in the 3-day networking conference.

The event was also graced by the newly appointed Forestry Principal Secretary Ephantus KimothoKimani, who was the Chief Guest.