Government should turn Pan Paper Mills into a multi-product industrial park

The engines of Pan Paper Mills went silent in 2009 when the company was placed under receivership due to heavy debts. Since then, there have been numerous attempts by the Government to revive the company.

At face value, the revival of Pan Paper Mills is a very attractive project, especially to the political class. And one would hope that a proper, well thought-out revival strategy which makes economic sense has been developed, otherwise the Government will be throwing taxpayers’ money into a project that only offers nuisance value.

So rather than Government reviving Pan Paper Mills, perhaps it could make more economic sense to convert it into a multi-product industrial park.

The sugar cane pulp which is available in abundance at Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories can be utilised as raw material for paper manufacturing, soft board wood and animal feeds.

Flour milling, coffee roasting, fruit juice making can all find space within the park and the raw materials easily available. This may be more economically viable than reviving machines that have been silent for six years now.