Over 7,000 cashew nut farmers in Lamu are set to benefit from a processing plant. This is after Governor Issa Timamy and the British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan unveiled the construction plans for a cashew processing plant. The plant according to a statement released on Wednesday, is expected to benefit the farmers in the next five years and create 200 jobs for the local community. The construction of the factory will begin later this year with the support of the UK through the Sustainable Urban Economic Development programme. The factory is expected to process 142 Metric Tonnes of raw cashews in the first year, increasing to 3,500MT within five years. It is expected to work with Equatorial Nut Processors, a local company in the processing. According to Wigan, the Sustainable Urban Economic Programme which is now in its eighth year is providing jobs for young Kenyans and building urban resilience in Kenya’s towns including Lamu. “We have set in motion the construction of a cashew nut processing factory, the first of its kind in Lamu funded by the UK which will bring more jobs and prosperity," Wigan said. "My visit has shown the great potential of this region and its people, and I look forward to strengthening the partnership with the county further.†The Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme (SUED) was designed to respond to Kenya’s rapid urbanisation and the risks that climate poses to daily life. The programme aims to create jobs, especially for the youth and build urban resilience in select counties of Malindi, Isiolo, Kisii, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kirinyaga, Lamu and Makueni. At the national level, the project provided expertise to support the design and financing of the ambitious Nairobi Railway City. This is a flagship, climate-resilient, rail-centred urban regeneration project that will transform Nairobi’s central business district and urban transport system. “This ground-breaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a promising journey towards prosperity and sustainable development for Lamu County," Timamy said. "Establishment of this cashew nut processing factory resonates perfectly with the vision we have as a government in promoting value chain investment in our county." The governor said this will not only create jobs but also improve the returns farmers get ultimately improving the county's economy. The British High Commissioner also donated medical emergency kits, firefighter kits and an Automated External Defibrillator to the Kenya Airports Authority for use at Manda Airport. This is part of the UK and Kenya partnership on Protective Security and Attack Response Programme. Through this programme, the UK has been working in partnership with the US Embassy to deliver medical training on Lamu Island to help medical providers better prepare for emergencies. This collaboration has continued to build capacity for Medical Care Providers at King Fahd Hospital and Community Health Volunteers.