Counties pick team to explore investment opportunities

North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) has appointed a team to explore potential investment opportunities among member counties.

The team, according to Noreb Chief Executive Officer Dominic Biwott, will make its recommendations within a fortnight.

Among other areas, Biwott said, the bloc will focus on improving trade and investment, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure as well as energy.

Other areas of focus are natural resources, education, ICT, water, health and land.

Special focus will also be given to the disabled so they can be part of the development agenda, Biwott said.

"Noreb is already seeking support from development partners, both local and international, even as we fully embark on our development agenda," he said.

He added: "We have already reached out to some partners who have indicated that they are considering out proposals. Others are already giving logistical and technical support in some of our ongoing projects."

North Rift counties are Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Turkana and Samburu.

Further, Dr Biwott said, value addition for agricultural products will also be another area of focus.

"We are keen on leveraging on strengths of individual counties and economies of scale to enhance social and economic development as well as cultural integration," he told The Standard yesterday.

One of Nandi's strength is milk production while Trans Nzoia produces a lot of cereals. Turkana is now know for oil as well as potentials in irrigation, livestock production and tourism among other sectors.