County welcomes plan to set up EPZ in region

Eldoret;Kenya: Trans-Nzoia County government has endorsed a proposal by Export Processing Zone Authority EPZA to establish an agro-processing zone in the region.

Governor Patrick Khaemba welcomed the idea and assured EPZ and investors of fully supporting the project expected to start soon following the completion of a feasibility studies.

Speaking during the validation workshop on the feasibility study report for proposed Kitale EPZ at Skynest hotel in Kitale, Khaemba termed the project as milestone towards achieving value addition.

"My government will support the project. It has been our urge to have agro-processing zone in the county it will help boost value addition," said Khaemba.

EPZA is negotiating to secure 100 acres of land from Agricultural Development Corporation ADC for the project.

Chief Executive Officer Mr. Cyrille Nabutola said they have spent sh 50 million to conduct a feasibility study and the master plan for the project.

Nabutola noted that more focus will be directed at maize and dairy to boost the livelihood of the residents who depend on the two farming activity for income.

"Our finding has shown availability of water and power and raw materials for the zone. We will give more focus on maize and dairy to open more opportunities for the residents," said Nabutola.

He said more power backup will be sourced from Turkwel and Lessos to run the industries established at the zone adding that project will kick off immediately ADC provided land.

Nabutola said the zone will transform the lives of the local people through creation of job opportunities and markets for products processed at the zone.

He urged residents to embrace the production of soya beans in bid to earn better income owing to its demand both locally and internationally.

Nabutola disclosed the authority is on the process of devolving its activities to counties in order to tap the potentials in each region.