North Rift governors visit the US to explore trade opportunities

DP William Ruto in a jovial mood with Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago during the silver jubilee celebrations of Rev. Korir at Mother of apostles seminary in Eldoret. [PHOTO/Peter Ochieng/STANDARD]

Five North Rift governors are in the US to explore trade and investment opportunities as they seek to firm up the regional economic bloc they have agreed to form locally.

Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo) and Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Dr Stanley Tarus are among seven governors invited by Kenyans from Rift Valley residing in the US under the Gotabgaa Washington DC association.

They have held a series of meetings, since last week, with investors and benefactors from Maryland State where they are marketing their new idea of forming the North Rift Economic Hub.

The invitation is timely for the county chiefs for it helps them realise one of their objectives in forming the block which is to bring on board international investors.

ECONOMIC PACTS

"We have embraced devolution and now have counties similar to the US which we need to use as platforms to enhance realisation of national development goals," Mandago said.

According to Mandago, Kenya has for a long time had a mutual and amicable relationship with the US with previous partnerships positively impacting citizen's lives.

He said counties need to sign economic pacts favored by the connection shared through President Barrack Obama's family ties.

"For faster development as a region we have to work together and take advantage of the benefit such as economies of scale. Walking alone will not help us achieve the long-term goals we intend to achieve," Tolgos said.

The governors said they intend to tap into President Barrack Obama's planned visit to Kenya, later in the month, in order to woo investors and donors to his father Barrack senior's motherland.

"Together with the US, we are literally a family and we ought to explore opportunities for trade, tourism, agriculture and other sectors for our mutual benefit.

There are many strides ahead of us but to equal the best you need to learn their ways" Cheboi said.

The county chiefs full delegation including Bomet's Isaac Ruto and Kericho's Paul Chepkwony later paid a courtesy call to Kenya's Ambassador to the US, Njeru Githae, at his residence who asked them to embrace America's economic model for their counties and region.

"It is a good idea to be here as you are going to sell the brand, share ideas and learn more from our American friends.

You will get to see the importance of utilising technology to conduct Government business and hopefully you will ape this greatness for Kenya," he said.

The governors visited Energy One Company and University of Maryland where they explored partnerships in affordable and renewable energy as well as investments in health infrastructure and training of personnel.