Government banking on economic zones in key towns to drive industrialization agenda, CS Munya

Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has revealed plans by the national government to undertake regional zoning meant to spur industrial growth.

Speaking in Kisumu during a tour of Sh15 billion East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) plant, the CS said the government was keen on working with the private sector towards increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Manufacturing from the current 9.2% to 15% by 2022. A move that is expected to make a great contribution across the value chain by creating more than 1,000 direct jobs, 3,000 through retail outlets and 100,000 others indirectly.

“To spur economic growth and develop regional economic hubs, the government is working closely with investment partners, the private sector and County Governments to set up Agro-Processing Zones in different parts of the country in an effort to add value on Kenyan products for the export market.” The CS said.

Munya said already the ministry was working on a strategy that seeks to bring on board the counties to the proposed plan of promoting agro-processing.

According to the CS, targeted towns include Isiolo, Kisumu, Mombasa, Athi River, Nakuru, Narok, Machakos and Lamu.

CS Munya noted that the industrialization agenda will be implemented in conjunction with development partners such as the African Development Bank (ADB).