KAKAMEGA, EPZ-A SIGN MOU TO ESTABLISH INDUSTRIAL PARK

The County Government of Kakamega and Nairobi based Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) today signed an MOU to establish an Industrial Park in Matungu Sub County in Kakamega County.

The partnership will pave way to building of factories and creation of 5,000 jobs for the people of Kakamega County, said the CECM for Trade, Industrialization and Tourism, Mr. Kassim Were Ali. He said the County government had donated 48 acres of land for lease by the authority and a further 42 acres shall be availed for the mega project that will transform Kakamega County’s readiness for industrial take off. In addition to land, the County government will ensure development of key infrastructure including road network upgrades and water supply to fast track the project.

County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo, the CECM for ICT, e-Government and Communication, Dr. George Lutomia, the County Attorney, Mr. Moses Sande, and Economic Advisor, Mr. Paul Posho hailed the MOU as an important milestone towards building a solid development legacy for H.E. the Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya. They expressed the goverment’s commitment to closely follow up implementation of agreed action points to ensure timely realization of the objectives of the partnership.

On their part, EPZ-A through the general manager operations and investor support, Dr. Meshack Kimeu said the Authority was committed to establishing industrial parks in every county in the country. He hailed Kakamega for moving swiftly to make one of the most important capital investments – land- available to the partnership. Dr. Kimeu added that some of the key quick wins for Kakamega County included the economy’s product diversification, ready market for farmers’ products, employment creation and complexity in the county’s economic development.

Also present were the Chief Officer in the ministry of Trade, Mr. Fanuel Angaya and EPZA’s Assistant Manager Legal Services, Mr. Ephantus Mogere and Regional Manager Western and Rift Valley, Mr. Moses Kipkebut.