Two New Export Processing Zones for Busia and Uasin Gishu
Two new Export Processing Zones (EPZs) shall be established in Busia and Uasin Gishu counties.
The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Moses Kuria announced the two EPZs vide a Gazette Notice on April 17.
135 hectares have been set aside in Eldoret/Municipality Block 15/1757 to host the EPZ in Uasin Gishu County.
341.2 hectares of land on Bukhayo/Nasewa/1500 in Busia County will host the second EPZ.
The designated areas for industrial and commercial operations will boost Kenya’s efforts to produce goods and services primarily for export.
Busia is a key border town and gateway to Uganda, and the Great Lakes region whose potential has been underused over the years. It is in fact among the least developed towns in Kenya at the moment.
Eldoret meanwhile has major processing industries and is one of Kenya’s fastest growing towns. It lies along the Kenya – Uganda A102 highway.
Job opportunities
The two EPZs will create new job opportunities in the western Kenya region. Spreading EPZs across the country is one way of the government attracting foreign investment while at the same time creating employment opportunities in the counties.
Major industries in the zones include manufacturers of textiles and garments, processors of agricultural products, horticulture, and industrial equipment.
Kenya currently has 10 Export Processing Zones under the Export Processing Zones Authority. Most of them are in Nairobi and Athi River with others located in Mombasa and Kisumu.