Unstable power supply and lack of adequate water are driving away investments meant to create employment opportunities in Siaya and other rural areas in the country, an investor, Joseph Omondi Nyatodi has said.
According to Nyatodi, the proprietor of Ugwe Cereals Co. Limited, there is urgent need for the national and county governments to address the two issues so as to attract investments and improve lives in the rural areas.
Speaking at Gobei village in North Sakwa ward, Bondo sub county during the official opening of a maize milling plant in the area, Nyatodi said it was expensive to rely on generators to keep the factories running.
“Some of the investments which need adequate power and water supplies for production cannot take place,” he said and urged the energy cabinet secretary, Opiyo Wandayi to work out modalities that will ensure that factories do not stop production because of electricity outages.
Nyatodi called on Kenyan investors to invest in the grassroots so as to empower communities in the rural areas, especially the youth.
Former Rarieda member of parliament, Nicholas Gumbo who was the chief guest during the event challenged the government to consider extending incentives given to foreign investors to the locals too.
Gumbo lamented that local investors do not enjoy government inducements such as tax amnesty whenever they venture into investments that can change people’s lives.
“It does not make sense for foreigners to enjoy privileges at the expense of the locals. If we can give foreigners who come to invest in Kenya five to ten years tax amnesty, why can’t we do it to locals?” posed the former legislator.
Gumbo called on the government to improve electricity supply in Nyanza region if it wanted to attract more investments in the area.
The occasion was also attended by Siaya county government’s Chief Officer for governance and administration, Walter Okello among others.
By Philip Onyango
