The Garissa Trade CEC, Adow Jubat as assured both local investors and entrepreneurs that the county government was committed to providing an enabling environment for trade and investment to thrive.
Jubat who was speaking on Wednesday when he visited the Baran Garissa block centre said the county administration has put in place a number of incentives including free land to attract both the local and foreign investors.
“The investments will not only boost the economy of the region but will also create jobs for our unemployed youth,” he said.
Jubat who was accompanied by the CEO Chamber of Commerce and Industry Garissa branch, Omar Abdirizack said that given the history of the county that has in the past been associated with insecurity, such investment will boost the image of the county and encourage more local investors.
“No investor can pump in Sh.50 million in an environment that he or she feels insecure. Security is top on the list of any willing investor and that is why we continue to work closely with the national government to ensure that investments by local entrepreneurs and business community are safeguarded,” Jubat said.
The company that is located in Bula Iftin, some 4 kms from Garissa town and which has been in existence for two years specialises in 15 building materials products that include Holow pot, concrete blocks, quad, water gutter concretes pipes, Kerb stone, crescent coloured, camel foot stone, candy stone among other products.
According to the proprietor of the company, Mohamed Abdullahi, the Sh.50 million investment was a joint business venture between him and a Turkish investor.
Abdullahi, a retired major in the defence forces said that being a local he saw the potential in the sector and decided to take advantage of it.
“On retiring honourably from the military, I ventured into business and it is at this point when I sought for partners with the sole intention to offer products to our people. I thank God we are on the right track,” Abdullahi said.
Abdullahi whose company employs 50 technical staff and over 100 labourers said that on average the company can produce 50,000 blocks daily.
They are currently serving the neighbouring counties of Tana River,Wajir and Mandera counties, noting that they plan to extend the same business to the three counties ‘to start with’.
“Our limiting challenge has been land, inconsistent power and water. We hope and pray that things will get better. The challenges not withstanding we will continue with our investment,” he said.
Two weeks ago, area Governor, Ali Korane said his administration had created policies and collaborations to woo investors to the county and boost commerce and light industries.
“Steady investment ventures by private sector players in Garissa will soon lead to major economic and social improvement. I laud the proprietor for investing in the town as this would go a long way in satisfying the urban needs of the town,” Korane said.
By Jacob Songok
