Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Salim Mvurya, laid the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Eldoret Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) that will enhance trade and economic development in the county.
Speaking at the event the CS noted that the Phase 1 will cost Ksh 477 million and from the works reviewed it’s going to be completed by the end of November.
“The Uasin Gishu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Busia and Kwale county EPZ are the 6 projects that the president William Ruto has directed that we give priority in terms of construction and we are going to spend a total of Ksh 3 billion for the EPZ flagship projects and this are projects which will not only inspire the manufacturing but also the export sector,” he noted.
He noted that such a foundation will ensure Eldoret will continue to attain the status of being industrialized and ensure we transform Kenya economically.
“It is easier to do the construction but the part that we need to now work on which we will be working with the county government is to mobilize the backward linkages so that when we are looking at avocado or cotton, we begin to prepare the farmers in those particular sectors so that export of this products and manufacturing can be in line with the construction that is going to be done here,” said the CS.
“Apart from EPZ we also have the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZ) like zones in Naivasha, Dongo Kundu in Mombasa which we are working to ensure that we inspire investments and for the Eldoret EPZ we have advertised for investors to apply and we will ensure the process of vetting is completed by the end of October,” said Mvurya.
The CS confirmed that nationally 19 County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIPs) will be constructed and these parks are going to provide an opportunity for rural industrialization and manufacturing.
“We are targeting different value chains in the different counties already. We have been able to disperse Ksh 1 billion shillings this financial year to all the 19 CAIPs so that they can continue with the construction,” he revealed.
“Together with the county government we will also be working with backward linkages to ensure the aggregation products are also prepared in advance so that when construction is completed then we can move in and have the products that we have itemized in all the parks,” he said.
Mvurya urged farmers and entrepreneurs to ensure their produce is of quality, which will be processed and exported from the industrial zone so as to meet export standards.
“The collaboration between agriculture and industry is central to the project and we are going to work closely with the local farming community to maximize the opportunities brought by the new industrial zone,” said the CS.
Mvurya added that the industrial zone is part of a broader national strategy to increase Kenya’s manufacturing capacity and the collaboration with local stakeholders, which will help farmers achieve the required quality standards for accreditation and export.
He called upon the County leadership and farmers to align with the industrial agenda to help the local economy grow as his ministry will play a pivotal role in supporting the initiative which will not only create jobs but also position Eldoret as a regional industrial powerhouse.
Mvurya further added that the job creation potential of the industrial zone is huge noting that more than 100,000 jobs would be generated, providing opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workers and this will help reduce youth unemployment in the county.
He assured the public that the Ministry will continue supporting farmers and entrepreneurs as the industrial project advances, as Eldoret’s transformation from a vibrant agricultural center to a key industrial player is well underway, setting the stage for significant economic growth and prosperity.
By Judy Too and Grace Wambui
