The government is committed to reviving cotton production and processing in Homa Bay County.
Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, said the revival cotton value chain will create jobs and spur the local economy.
He said it was regrettable that cotton production which used to thrive in the 70s and 90s period had been neglected despite the huge economic potential of the crop.
Owalo at the same time said the government will prioritize in establishment of leather processing industries in Nyanza region.
He said the current scenario where middlemen were buying hides and skins at throw away prices for the export market was unacceptable.
“What is more disheartening is that processed leather goods from our hides and skins are imported back to the country at exorbitant prices,” Owalo said.
The CS made the remarks during the revised fourth medium term plan county dissemination forum at a hotel in Homa Bay town.
He said the government was also keen on facilitating full exploitation of iron ore deposits in Rachuonyo South and Rachuonyo North sub counties to curb reliance on imported steel.
The CS told the local residents to support the government’s bottom up economic transformation agenda so as to reap huge development benefits.
Homa Bay County Commissioners Moses Lilan said the affordable housing project in Homa Bay town was at 85 percent completion adding that hundreds of jobs had been created through the project.
He said the Rusinga ring road construction was on course while the upgrading of Homa Bay, Kendu Bay and Mbita Piers to accommodate large vessels were also at advance stages.
By Davis Langat
