Kenya, February 2014: The global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) maps out the investment opportunities emerging in the Kenyan county of Meru, as the African state’s ambitious devolution process gathers pace.

OBG’s economic booklet The Report: Meru County 2014, was launched on May 8th at the Panafric Hotel, Nairobi to a packed room of distinguished guests and members of the media.

Devolution formed a key part of Kenya’s 2010 constitution, and the transfer of select powers - including fiscal, social and planning policy - from the central government to the 47 new county governments will bring with it a spate of changes in the business environment.

Country CEO makes a presentation during the ceremony

Hopes are high that the move to shift some of the responsibility for things such as health care provision and infrastructure maintenance - which previously were under the purview of the national government - to local elected officials will increase urbanisation in rural areas and encourage economic growth outside of Nairobi. The county governments, which began operation following the March 2013 elections, will receive not only a share of national revenues but will also have the ability to raise funds from within their jurisdictions.

The broad institutional changes wrought by devolution, and the subsequent impact on economic and industrial growth, are opening a raft of new opportunities for investors, as OBG’s investment analysis of Meru indicates. In The Report: Meru County 2014, OBG’s analysis highlights the potential that the county’s agricultural industry offers for development, supported by the region’s strategic location, rich soil, diverse climate and infrastructure.

It also explores the move by some of Kenya’s counties, particularly those along the national borders, to team up for key projects to reduce distribution and transport costs, and benefit from economies of scale.

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