President William Ruto is placing a strategic bet on the establishment of industrial hubs to significantly uplift the economic prospects of Busia County. During a recent inspection of the ongoing construction of the Nasewa Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and the Busia County aggregation and industrial park, Ruto highlighted the potential these projects have to transform livelihoods in the region.
The Nasewa EPZ, which is set for completion by June 2025, is designed to provide a robust economic boost through the processing of agricultural products such as edible oils and cassava. Additionally, the zone will accommodate a motorbike manufacturing plant and textile industries. The initial phase of the project is expected to generate around 5,000 jobs, with the potential to create a staggering 50,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs once fully operational.
“This hub will employ thousands of people from Busia here,” President Ruto stated, emphasizing the transformative impact these initiatives will have on local communities.
Alongside the EPZ, the Sh500 million aggregation and industrial park in Matayos, which is expected to be completed by April 2025, will serve as a multipurpose hub for various industries. Ruto underscored that this park will be crucial in boosting the county’s agricultural sector by providing facilities for the aggregation, storage, and processing of crops like simsim, groundnuts, sunflower, and cotton.
Farmers will be able to store their produce in cold rooms to prevent wastage, giving them the flexibility to sell their goods when market prices are favorable. Moreover, the park will provide critical value addition facilities and market linkages, ensuring that farmers benefit more directly from their produce, avoiding exploitation by cartels.
The park is expected to directly employ over 5,000 people, with thousands more benefiting indirectly. It forms part of a broader government strategy to establish similar industrial parks across all 47 counties, aimed at fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and improving livelihoods, especially for the youth.
In addition to the industrial projects, President Ruto also launched the rehabilitation of the Alupe Dam in Teso South. This project, costing Sh750 million, will serve 39,000 people initially and eventually reach 92,000 by 2046. The dam will support local water needs and serve Alupe University and surrounding communities, marking a significant step in improving water access in the region.
Through these initiatives, the government aims to revitalize the local economy, empower farmers, and create sustainable job opportunities, with Busia poised to become a model of industrial and agricultural development in Kenya.
