HOMA BAY TRADE ECONOMY SET TO GROW AS EPZ ENTERS MARKET
The County government’s efforts to become an industrialized county received a major boost after the Export Processing Zones Authority in partnership with the county department of Trade, Industrialization and Cooperatives signed a lease agreement to zone 100 Acres for establishment of an industrial park at Riwa in West Karachuonyo.
The partnership signed with EPZA will allow the steering of industrialization in this part of the country by enabling investments in cotton and textile.
EPZA Chief Executive Officer, Fanuel Kidenda explained that his organization would provide an investor in ginning to help establish the cotton ginnery among other industries.
“We also intend to offer support to this agro-processing park by enabling irrigation to boost cotton growth in the area, due to its nearness to the lake,” said Mr. Kidenda
He added that the aim of the partnership is to enable the EPZ authority to initiate development process through the agro-processing park and create employment opportunity for youth.
The County government of Homa Bay has provided the company with 100 Acres of land. County Trade Executive Prof. Tom Ogada said the government is delighted by the project which will revive cotton ginnery in the County.
“Cotton is actually priority number two after Fish and we therefore need a complete value addition in cotton processing to tap the economic potential of Homa Bay,” said Prof. Ogada.
“EPZ will establish infrastructure to set up various factories including ginnery, textile, and road networks within the park.
He added that he is optimistic the county has 80% black cotton soil and other the necessary resources to boost industrialization.
Permanent Secretary for Trade, Industrialization and Cooperatives, Mr. Nduati Mwangi was present to oversee the signing of the lease agreement and pledged support for the establishment of the park.
“The demand for cotton in the country outwits the supply and Kenya needs to create job opportunities by developing the industrial park similar to the EPZ park in Athi River,” said the PS.
He noted that the park would employ 1000 youth and also strengthen cooperatives.