Residents of Kakwanyang in Turkana Central Sub-County have pledged to donate up to 200 acres of land for the establishment of an industrial park in Turkana.
During an engagement meeting with members of the public, the land acquisition for the project was aimed at establishing the park as an economic resource to strengthen value addition and create an impact on residents living standards.
The County Executives Member for Lands, Peter Akono and Elizabeth Loote of Trade, together with Samuel Ekale (Chief Officer Trade and Cooperatives), James Lolwale (Director Trade), and Esther Kiyonga (Turkana Central Sub-County Administrator), spearheaded the consultative meeting.
The residents, through their leader, Christopher Eporon, expressed optimism that the placement of the park in their vicinity would transform the fortunes of the surrounding areas of Monti, Katekerengor, Kalotum, and Katapakori.
“Once operationalized, the Industrial Park will raise our hope that our children will get employment opportunities, and the area will also get a facelift in terms of power connectivity, water supply, and access roads,” said Eporon.
During the meeting, CECM Akono said that provision for the industrial park had been factored in the proposed county spatial plan and that the public engagement over the issue was meant to include the residents in the planning process.
His counterpart, CECM Loote, said the establishment of an industrial plan was on the priority agenda of the Governor’s Administration for the promotion of trade and the uplifting of Turkana as an investment destination
MCA for Township Ward, Ruth Kuya, spoke during the engagement meeting.
The County Government of Turkana is projecting to construct the facility at a cost of Sh. 400 million.
By Peter Gitonga
