Kenyan President Expresses Support for Project Maua
Published May 2018
Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta, met with Victoria Mars, Board member and immediate former Chairperson of Mars, Incorporated at State House, Nairobi. He reaffirmed his government’s support for the company’s investment in Kenya.
Alongside other initiatives, Ms. Mars discussed Project Maua with the President. The programme, which embraces the Economics of Mutuality, is helping to expand Wrigley operations in Kenya and consequently provide social and economic opportunities for local people. Launched in 2013, Project Maua currently involves over 700 entrepreneurs and engages consumers in rural areas and informal settlements that are difficult to reach through traditional channels.
Mr. Kenyatta also commended Mars for the Kshs. 7 Billion sustainably built Wrigley factory in Athi River that is scheduled to open later this year. The facility will produce 7.8 billion pellets of chewing gum annually. He said that not only will it provide jobs, but also offer opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises through its expanded value chain.
Ms. Mars welcomed the President’s support, saying “Your goal to boost local manufacturing capacity is timely and offers a great opportunity to expand employment and job creation for Kenyans, while cementing the country’s position as a key industrial hub in Africa. Wrigley is keen on growing and developing our business here and contributing to this noble objective.”
Image: Ashiriz, Wikimedia Commons
