Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley
Rotich has pledged to create wealth and job opportunities for residents.
Rotich said the county has a
population of more than 600,000 people, but the county government can only
employ 2,500 people.
“We have no other way but to start
creating jobs for our people through sectors such as agriculture through
diversification,” he said.
Rotich spoke at the just-ended
two-day International Business Summit in Iten town.
He said many farmers are growing
high-value crops such as avocado, coffee and pyrethrum that can provide more
jobs through value addition.
“That is why we are working on
markets for the new crops and working to attract more investors who will set up
factories and hence create more jobs for our people,” Rotich said.
He said the county could not use
all its resources on employing residents but provide the needed conducive
environment for investors.
Rotich spoke at the closing
ceremony of the inaugural business summit for the county, which was also
attended by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.
The governor had earlier announced
several incentives and benefits to companies, investors or individuals who wish
to set up agro-processing factories.
The move seeks to open up the
region for more investments that would lead to economic growth and create job
opportunities.
Rotich said the county would waive all approval fees by the planning department, apply a years waiver of business
permit fees and and also offer solar solar-powered borehole for the investment.
The county would also ensure
liaison support with relevant national government institutions for fast-tracked
approvals of relevant permits.
“We will also ensure space
provision at the 100-acre industrial park land, which is at its last stages of
acquisition by the National Land Commission,” he said.
Rotich said the county would have
farmers to supply raw materials through cooperatives and also offer extension
training and services.
More than150 local and
international exhibitors participated in the summit.
The governor however insisted that
the investors will have to source raw materials from within the county to
empower local cooperatives and farmers and they would also be required to employ
local youth with relevant skills
Rotich said the summit was
the beginning of a new economic journey, a new ambition and a new
confidence in what the county can offer.
“This is an opportunity to showcase
our full potential and position our county as a competitive,
innovative and investment-friendly destination in Kenya,” he said.
He said the county is blessed with
incredible resources and three different ecological zones, which
provide rich agricultural land, unmatched athletic talent, breathtaking
landscapes, a resilient and hardworking people and a strategic position along
the Rift Valley economic corridor.
“As a county, we are on a
path of transformation, creating opportunities for economic growth and
this is why today, we are offering exhibitors and our people an opportunity for
interaction,” the governor said.
Rotich said his administration is committed to building an economy, which is inclusive, sustainable and future-ready.
