News Categories: Trade, Tourism, Investment & Industrialization

In a significant step towards boosting local trade and economic growth, H.E. Governor Stephen Sang today inspected the ongoing works at the newly established Nandi Textile Unit (Natex) in Mosoriot, Lelmokwo/Ngechek Ward, Chesumei Sub County. The visit underscores the county government’s commitment to fostering industrial development and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Nandi.

The modern textile facility, which is set for commissioning soon, represents a major milestone in the county’s efforts to promote local trade and industrialization. Once operational, Natex is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the local economy by creating jobs, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and providing a platform for value addition in the textile sector.

During the inspection, Governor Sang expressed his optimism about the project’s potential to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods. “The establishment of Natex is a testament to our commitment to supporting businesses and creating trade opportunities for our people. This facility will not only provide employment but also empower our youth and women by giving them access to modern skills and markets,” he stated.

The Nandi Textile Unit is part of the county government’s broader strategy to diversify the local economy. By investing in value addition, the county aims to harness its rich agricultural and human resources to create a self-sustaining economic ecosystem.

Governor Sang also emphasized the importance of partnerships in realizing the project’s objectives. He thanked stakeholders and the local community, for their support in bringing the vision to life. “This project is a result of collaboration and shared determination. Together, we are building a foundation for a prosperous future,” he added.

The commissioning of Natex is expected to attract further investments into the region, positioning Nandi County as a hub for textile production and trade in the region. The facility will also serve as a model for other counties seeking to leverage industrialization for economic transformation.

As the county government of Nandi remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting businesses and improving trade opportunities, the Nandi Textile Unit stands as a beacon of hope and progress. With its imminent commissioning, Natex is poised to unlock new possibilities for the people of Nandi, driving the county towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Present at the event were the County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili, and NGAO officials, County Assembly Members led by the Speaker Hon Melly, Deputy Speaker Wilson Sang, Majority Leader Walter Teno, CECs, COs, Directors among other senior government officials.

Mosoriot, Chesumei Sub County – In a significant move to advance industrialization and trade in Nandi County, Dr. Philemon Bureti, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Trade and Industrialization, visited the Nandi Textile Unit (NaTeX) in Mosoriot to oversee the test run of the facility’s machinery. The visit, was a critical step in the final preparations for the official technical launch of the plant, scheduled for next week.

The Nandi Textile Unit, one of Governor Stephen Sang’s flagship legacy projects, is a cornerstone of the county’s industrialization agenda. Designed to spur economic growth, create jobs, and empower local communities, the facility is equipped with modern textile machinery capable of producing high-quality fabrics and garments.

During his visit, Dr. Bureti meticulously observed the test run of the machines, assessing their performance, efficiency, and output quality. He was accompanied by a team of technical experts, engineers, and representatives from the contractors who installed the equipment. The inspection aimed to ensure that all systems were functioning optimally ahead of the official launch.

Speaking after the assessment, Dr. Bureti expressed his confidence in the project’s readiness. “Today’s test run is a testament to the hard work and dedication that has gone into making the Nandi Textile Unit a reality. The machines have performed exceptionally well, and we are fully prepared for the official launch next week,” he said.

He further highlighted the transformative impact of the project, noting its alignment with Governor Stephen Sang’s vision for Nandi County. “Governor Sang has always emphasized the importance of industrialization as a means to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our people. The Nandi Textile Unit is a shining example of this vision coming to life. It will not only provide employment opportunities but also position Nandi as a leader in textile production within the region,” Dr. Bureti added.

The NaTeX project is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs, with a focus on empowering women and youth. Additionally, the county government has partnered with local vocational training institutions within the county to offer specialized training programs in textile production, ensuring a skilled workforce for the facility.

Local leaders and residents have lauded the project, recognizing its potential to uplift the community. “This textile unit is a game-changer for Mosoriot and the entire Nandi County. It will provide much-needed employment and stimulate economic growth in our area,” said a local resident.

Governor Stephen Sang’s administration has prioritized industrialization as a key pillar of its development agenda, and the Nandi Textile Unit is a testament to this commitment. The facility is expected to attract investors, boost trade, and contribute significantly to the county’s revenue.

The official technical launch of the Nandi Textile Unit is set to take place next week, with Governor Sang, county officials, industry stakeholders, and development partners expected to attend. The event will mark the beginning of full-scale production and showcase the facility’s potential to transform the local economy.

As Nandi County prepares to unveil this landmark project, the Nandi Textile Unit stands as a symbol of progress, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of Governor Stephen Sang’s administration to improving the lives of its residents. With the successful test run and the upcoming launch, the future of textile manufacturing in Nandi County looks brighter than ever.

Traders operating within Kapsabet town market have relocated to the new ultra-modern fresh produce market behind the town.

The more than 400 traders had been allocated stalls at the new site which is designed to hold various businesses. The new site will accommodate grocery traders, traders dealing in household supplies and accessories,hotels, saloons and shops.

The relocation follows a series of meetings and consultation between the traders, municipality management, chamber of commerce and the department of trade.

According to Kapsabet Municipality Manager Alfayo Lel,the relocation is aimed at providing a long term solution to traders who will operate in a conducive environment complete with proper sanitation and floodlights to promote late-night trading.

Following the successful installation of all required equipment, Nandi County Textile Unit (Natex) is prepared to begin operations.

All that is needed for it to function is for Kenya Power to build a transformer at the facility; after that, operations would start formally.

Apart from clothing manufacturing, Natex will be vital in giving our young people hands-on, practical training.

Embroidery, knitting, garment making, fashion design, production, merchandising, and patent drafting and design are all included in the  training programme.

On a national and worldwide scale, these abilities are highly valued. They will be ready for prosperous employment in the textile industry  thanks to this practical training.

For the plant to continue producing goods for the market, a crucial portion of the skilled staff will also be kept on staff.

In addition, Natex will act as a centre for entrepreneurship development, giving graduates of textile programmes the chance to create and promote their own brands, enabling them to launch and expand their own companies.

The establishment of further cottage businesses in the areas of wood processing, plastic formwork for household items, leather and shoe manufacture, and many more products is part of a second phase of these activities.

The goal of this programme is to increase entrepreneurship, which will hasten industrialization both inside and outside the county and thus boost economic growth.

The Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is in accordance with this.

The Boda Boda sector in Nandi County has greatly increased employment for youth and has significantly contributed to the growth of the country’s economy. The County Government of Nandi has pledged to support the sector through various initiatives.
Governor Stephen Sang, EGH has emphasized the importance of forming and joining Sacco’s during a meeting with sector leaders, as it is the most secure way to access government support.

He added that, collection of revenue is key in running government projects and hence agreed with the sector leadership on resumption of bodaboda stickers, as it will also enhance sanity in management of the sector.

The county has 25 designated bodaboda stages in Kapsabet town and each has a unique numbering system. A colour coding system was also used previously to distinguish operators in different sub counties.

Nandi CECM for Trade, Tourism, Industrialization and Enterprise Development CPA Alfred Lagat assured the riders that the department will provide them with office space for easy coordination and management. He also urged the operators to form associations and take advantage of government machinery offered to such associations through MSEA. In addition, Loan schemes including the enterprise fund will also be established to boost up the sector.

Other issues that cropped up during the meeting including security and street lights were addressed by CECM Administration, Public Service and ICT, Isaiah Keter who assured the operators of full support in their welfares.
Traffic police officer, Ms Linda urged the operators to observe traffic rules citing that with strict adherence to law, the number of accidents will go down by far.

In attendance where CEC Finance and economic planning CPA. Hillary Serem, Municipal Manager Mr Ngeny, Head of Revenue Nicholas Biwot among others. #ContinuedTransformation

Nandi CEC for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koech has urged women in Nandi County to form groups to enable them benefit from the various government development projects.

The CEC Member urged women to seek information on county and national government opportunities and also take part in public participation forums such as the budget making process.

Ruth said women should also come together and register companies where they shall be able to apply for tenders.

She said 30 per cent of the tenders are allocated to women, youth and people living with disabilities.

The CEC said both the county and the national government are committed to ensure that marginalized groups such as women, youth and the disabled access opportunities that will enable them realize their full potential.

In her part the CEC nominee for Education, Sports Culture and Youth Affairs Scolastica Tuwei said that social and economic empowerment through various development programmes is paramount for a community’s development.

She said the participation of women in social and economic areas have helped in poverty eradication programmes.

She also called on the youth to form groups in order for them to benefit from the hustler fund from the national government. She further called on the boda boda operators to form or join Saccos.

They were speaking jointly during the opening of Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) Offices in Kapsabet Town.

The County Government of Nandi is committed to all efforts made for the advancement of women, especially in the economic, social and cultural areas. The County is convinced that the advancement of women is one of the primary points of allowing society to create an atmosphere conducive to development.

The County Government of Nandi has established 32-Unit market stalls at the open air market in Baraton. Open air markets are usually a beehive of activity teeming with vendors and consumers.

It is for this reason that the County has ensured proper hygiene and sanitations are put in place. Sufficient water supply, toilets and an organized waste disposal management were provided to ensure the market meets its needs.

There is a high mast lighting system at the market hence trading activities can run till late hours. Upgrades and modifications to sections of the market are still on-going.

In a public participation exercise held on Tuesday the residents applauded the operationalization of the market and further requested for additional stalls and a market shade.

Addressing the residents during the meetup, the Municipal Manager, Mr. Ngeny, assured the residents of enough security and general facelift of the market. He commended the traders for the recent increase in trading activities and promised to follow up on addition of stalls as requested.

Mr. Ngeny further urged the traders to form a Market Committee for easy coordination with county government. Present during the public participation were Chesumei sub-county administrator Mr. Kemboi, Chemundu/Kapngetuny ward administrator and officers from Trade department and County Public health office.

The County Government of Nandi in partnership with Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) is in the process of operationalizing the MSE Sector plans.

MSEA is a State corporation under Ministry of industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development mandated to promote, develop and regulate Micro and Small Enterprise (MSEs) in the country.

MSEA is working closely with the Department of Trade, Investment and Industrialization in linking MSEs with markets through Exhibitions, establishing and operationalizing worksites for Jua Kali artisans, capacity building for MSE traders and mobilization of registered associations to utilize machineries provided by the government.

The county has constructed Industrial Development Centres (IDC) worksites in Nandi Hills and Kobujoi which are in use while others in Chepterwai, Kurgung, Lessos, Kobujoi and Maraba will begin its operations before long.

The partnership calls for MSEs to form and register associations each with 35 members in order to benefit from these IDCs and industrial machineries which, will be fully owned by the association. The MSEs in agri-business sector can also be provided with cold storage facilities for perishable goods.

Ms. Wilter Moraa from MSEA North Rift region, in a meeting with the department technical team, mentioned the areas of cooperation to include research and capacity building of MSEs in Nandi. It was agreed that it is their joint duty to mobilize MSEs in Trade, Service, Agri-business and manufacturing sectors to form these associations.

She further stated that MSEA is working with Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) to provide Business Development Services to Youth-owned enterprises and granting financial support to promote their businesses ventures.