The County Government of Trans-Nzoia organized a three days County Investment Conference and Expo 2016 (TICE 2016) that kicked off on 16th March 2016 at the Kitale Club grounds.
The conference was organized in a bid to showcase investments opportunities that the county has to the world of investors to spur economic growth. More than 6,000 national and international delegates have turned up for the conference whose theme is dubbed: Unlocking the potential in Kenya’s bread basket.
Trans Nzoia county is a melting pot of not only Kenya’s rich cultural mix but also numerous but unexploited investment potential in agriculture, tourism, social services, infrastructure, health, financial services, housing, hotel and hospitality industry.
Investors are keen to tap into these opportunities to create employment and generate wealth in Kenya’s bread basket that is ironically characterized by high levels of poverty, unemployment and food insecurity.
The conference was underway by the time of going to press with the Council of Governors chairman and Meru governor Peter Munya, his counterparts Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), Kachapin (West Pokot), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) together with Ford Kenya Party Leader and Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula in as well as Trans Nzoia Senator Henry Ole Ndiema, nominated senator Zipporah Kitonny, ambassadors and high commissioners in attendance.
On the second day of TICE 2016, the County Government of Trans Nzoia has signed an MoU with Turkey-based Tunasco company to put up a maize milling plant. With the deal already sealed, the company is expected to begin construction of the much touted plant in a couple of weeks.
Speaking during a brief MoU signing ceremony, governor Patrick Khaemba said that he is upbeat about the deal adding that the investment will create numerous direct and indirect jobs in the county.
“Our broader objective is to eradicate poverty through value addition to our agricultural produce and employment creation. I have no doubt that the maize milling plant will create many employment opportunities to our people,” said Khaemba.
More investment deals worth Sh. 54 billion are expected to be signed at the end of the conference.
Article by Vera Shawiza.