News Categories: Trade, Tourism, Investment & Industrialization

The County Government of Nandi in partnership with Gotabgaa Kenya Association held Agribusiness show successfully, whose aim was to bring to light varied efforts from players in the Agriculture and Trade sector in the North rift region.

Exhibitors at Gotabgaa Agribusiness Expo

The event whose theme was “Empowerment through the use of innovative technology” ended on Saturday with the exhibitors getting an opportunity to showcase their wares to hundreds of residents who turned up for the exhibitions held from 13th-15th at Kapsabet High School, Nandi County. This annual 3-day event provides a platform through which viable business linkages, networks and partnerships can be established and nurtured.

The show attracted over 50 exhibitors exhibiting medicinal products, agricultural products and biogas production systems, textile products, beads and artwork, farm machinery, Value added plots, financial products among others.
The event attracted a huge number of participants from around the country and some from the diaspora.

Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang officially opened the Agribusiness show where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to promote the Agribusiness sector. Sang urged the Kenyans living abroad to invest back home so that their investments can benefit the locals through job creation.

One of the exhibitors that wowed many attendants including the County Boss is one Charles Chelulei from Tinderet Sub County. Charles fabricates various types of home-made farm machines using locally available materials and sells them to farmers at a relatively lower price.
Some of the machinery include, coffee pulping machines, chaff cutters and tractor trailers, which he fabricates at his garage in the remote Kabunyeria village.

The County CEO commended his efforts and emphasized on the need to promote locally made products than the imported ones saying that this will enhance enterprise development and inspire young people to innovate more efficient tools.

Governor Sang added that one key agenda in his transformational agenda is enhancing diaspora engagement saying that those living abroad need to help find market for locally grown/made products, and in connecting the youth in Nandi county with opportunities out there.

The Patron of Gotabgaa organization Abraham Kirwa also emphasized the need to create market linkages for the benefit of both Agripreneurs and entrepreneurs in bid to harness more opportunities for the locals.
This is the second Agribusiness show of its kind, the first one having been held in Kericho County in 2016.
The event was covered live by Kass Media International. Similar event will be held next year in Baringo County.

Nandi County is sponsoring 22 Exhibitors to participate in the ongoing 19th edition of EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi in Eldoret.

The 22 Exhibitors drawn from the County are show casing products locally made by players in the Jua Kali industry in Nandi which according to statistics contributes up to 15 percent of the County’s Own Source revenue.
The exhibitions brings together MSME’s from the six EAC Countries where a total of 1436 exhibitors took part.

Alongside the exhibition, the exhibitors also attended symposium where various topics such as Cross border Trade, Elements of illicit trade, Benefits and opportunities of MSME’s in EAC, and EAC rules of origin were discussed.
Traders were also trained on protecting their products against counterfeits.
The Cabinet Secretary for Trade and East African Community Affairs Peter Munya pledged for the revision of relationship between Kenya Bureau Standards and the Jua kali sector so that the sectors’ products can be standardized amicably by the standards body.
Munya added that the government will create an office that deals specifically with the Jua Kali sector within KEBs.

The exhibition is an annual event by the member states in close collaboration with the Confederation of Informal Sector Organizations – East Africa (CISO-EA) and the EAC Secretariat.
Since its inception 18 years ago, the event has been held on a rotational basis in the 5 EAC Member States with the aim of enhancing Regional Integration through promotion and marketing of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector products and services.
The event provided a platform for enhancing marketing linkages for MSME sector products and services within the region so as to enable them access the existing regional market which has a population of over 150 million people.
The 8-days exhibition was attended by dignitaries and guests from 5 countries of East Africa including Cabinet secretaries, Ministers, PS, Senators, Governors and the Deputy president H. E William Rutto.
The exhibitors got to sell their products, which ranged from Value added products, machinery, textile, art and crafts,bead works amongst many other jua kali products.
The East Africa Community will commemorate 20 years of this exhibitions next year in Arusha Tanzania amid proposals that will possibly change the name to East Africa Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises Exhibitions.

The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Trade of Investment and Industrialization has commenced training of officers on revenue system upgrade.

Chief Officer ICT and e-Government Jonathan Misoi who officiated the event observed that Nandi has in the past years missed revenue targets due to manual systems among other factors. The requirement by the Commission on Revenue Allocation for a county to qualify for a share of revenues collected is pegged to capability to collect a minimum of Sh.1 billion. The Chief Officer said the upgrade is expected to enhance collection of revenue in the county.

Trade and Industrialization Chief Officer Feizal Mohammed said all revenue officers should live up to the expectations of the county government in regard to revenue collection. He called on them to be hardworking, exercise honesty and positively present the government’s image to the public.

Also present at the event was the Chief Officer for Enterprise Development Dr. Rose Boit.

TEXTILE MAKING ONE KEY ASPECT IN REALIZING NANDI’S BIG 4 DREAM
By Peter Kiprop.
For the realization of the President’s Big Four agenda and the Governor’s manifesto to transform Nandi, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has aligned his Big 4 agenda that will be launched on Monday to that of the President. Under manufacturing pillar, the County Government of Nandi is setting up Textiles and Apparels unit  in partnership with Rivatex East Africa Limited at Kapsabet town.

The textile unit will manufacture affordable high quality apparel like school uniforms, hospital linen & other textile products projected to provide direct employment opportunities to an estimated 500 locals and indirectly to 2000 others in the first phase.

Deputy President William  Ruto is expected to officially commission the factory on Monday during the launch of Nandi Big four Agenda which will also entails training of youth and women to equip them with textile making skills that will enable them earn a living.

According to a report by the state department of industrialization, Trade and cooperatives, the country’s total apparel exports to the United States stand at US$ 371.66 million, putting Kenya top among countries in the Sub Saharan Africa and particularly members of AGOA.

In Nandi County, the leather and textile industry is estimated to have a turnover of 70 Million shillings annually and that could generate massive income to the county if well tapped into.
Therefore, the textiles and apparels value chain is a key area of priority in manufacturing, which is a central pillar of the president’s Big 4 Agenda for the next four years.

The department of Trade, Investment and Industrialization is planning to spend  100 Million shillings and has already allocated 50 Million shillings in the current financial year towards the flagship project.
An additional 50 Million is also expected to be allocated for the project in the next fiscal year.

Once established, students and pupils in Vocational Training Institutes and Early Childhood Development Education in Nandi County will have access to not only affordable but also high quality uniforms that is made locally.

The County Government of Nandi is set to put up a modern market at Baraton Market grounds after a successful Public Participation with residents was done.

During the meeting held on 31st August at the market grounds led by Chief Officer Industrialization and Enterprise Development Mr. Wilson Lelei, area MCA Hon Richard Kirwa, officers from the Department of Trade, Investment and Industrialization, opinion and religious leaders and residents, members of the public unanimously endorsed the proposal to establish modern market stalls in the area.

A resident of Baraton sharing his opinion

Speaking during the event, Mr. Lelei said that Public Participation is an important component of leadership since it is through it that priority projects which are beneficial to the people are identified. He thanked the residents for turning up in large numbers and applauded them for agreeing in unison to embrace developments that was coming their way.

Hon Richard Kirwa during the public participation.

Hon Kirwa on his side said that the voice of his people will be reflected in this particular project. He requested the department of Trade in conjunction with that of lands to look into the physical planning map before issuing commencement letter to the contractor.

Chemundu/Kapng’etuny MCA Hon Richard Kirwa and Chief Officer Industrialization Mr. Wilson Lelei

Once established the market will provide an avenue majorly for women and youth to actively involve themselves in meaningful and profitable business ventures and increase revenue for our county.

READ ALSO: https://nandi.go.ke/news/public-participation-training-and-mentorship-of-stakeholders/

County Government of Nandi is in great support of young and upcoming investors especially those complementing government strategies in solving the unemployment menace. Through the department of Trade, Investment and industrialization, private organizations are able to be established and run within Nandi County and even globally as a way of utilizing the available skills and resources to earn a better living and even changing the lives of others.

Sadana Tech Solutions Photo by Peter Kiprop

Sadana Tech Solution and Consultancy limited, an ICT investment located in Kapsabet Town, is one of the private investments that are established by residents of Nandi County with the aim of opening up opportunities for students, new graduates and other the tech-enthusiasts (especially system developers) to have their own startups and progress in the ICT field. Sadana tech solutions is owned by David Rop and Elphas Sagas both originating from Baraton, Chesumei Sub-County, with other partners. Having studied and worked in Finland, the partners found it best to come back and invest in their home country and more so the home county, Nandi.

With great experience, knowledge and exposure they acquired during the time abroad, they have established a Technology Centre in kapsabet town. Their main objective is to breach a gap between service providers and clients thus giving an opportunity for startups to market their products. They also offer training and mentorship that prepares individuals to work in the ICT related jobs and how to integrate ICT into other fields. For those wishing to study and venture abroad, Sadana tech solution is one of the places one would get quality guidance in studying and working abroad; It’s also an opportunity for those in diaspora and would like to relocate and invest in our county.

Dr. Kiplimo Lagat (Right) making his remarks during the launch Photo by Peter Kiprop

The CECM for trade and investment, Dr. Kiplimo Lagat, who officially presided over the launching of Sadana Tech Solutions in presence of the CO for ICT and E-government, Mr. Jonathan Misoi, congratulated the founders for their enthusiasm and  their aim of benefiting the locals and improving their livelihoods. Dr. Lagat pointed out that there is need to establish ICT villages within the county and make Nandi an ICT hub. As a result, companies and other counties can outsource labor from Nandi. He further proposed that Sadana can partner with schools and start programming clubs as a way of building a foundation for innovations.  

Mr. Misoi on the other hand stated that Investments like Sadana are actualizing some the county government’s expectations and affirmed that the county government of Nandi is improving the enabling environment for establishments of such startups and investments. Some of these enabling environments are improving their systems for easy licensing and registration and also coming up with policies to govern them.

The County Government of Nandi is looking forward to partnering with such companies to change the lives of the people. It is encouraging individuals of all professions, both within the county and those in diaspora, to use their knowledge, skills, experience and resources to invest in Nandi County. The County’s Department of Trade and Investment in partnership with ICT and e-Government is planning for all the professionals, technology enthusiasts and other stakeholders’ forum to discuss more on such career mentorship, identify other opportunities for the upcoming professionals and making Nandi a techno- driven county.

Over 170 reformed brewers, sellers and alcoholics successfully completed a one week program dubbed “Okoa Mlevi Initiative” organized by Mission of Hope ministries in collaboration with the County Government of Nandi and National Authority for the Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA).

Dr. Kilplimo Lagat, The CEC Member in charge of Trade, Investment and Industrialization

Speaking during the official closing ceremony, CEC Member in charge Trade, Investment and Industrialization Dr. Kiplimo Lagat congratulated the delegates for choosing to go through such a noble program and applauded the SDA church for the approach they took to deal with drug and substance addiction.

The Department, through the Directorate of Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing, whose primary mandate is to regulate and control alcohol consumption, vowed to employ tough measures to control and regulate consumption and ensure that the county spend less money in future for rehabilitation. He noted that the government has so far reduced outlets selling alcohol across the county significantly by 54%.

Dr. Lagat said that his department will continue working with other stakeholders such as NACADA and church to make Nandi an Alcohol Free zone, sustain the impact already felt and work closely with other county departments to ensure the reformed access alternative sustainable source of income.

“We will prioritize awarding sewing machines to the reformed women from this program and employ youth in our Textile Unit we are establishing” he added.

CEC Member in charge of Health and Sanitation Hon. Ruth Koech

His Counterpart in charge of Health and Sanitation Hon. Ruth Koech affirmed that the government has made a conscious decision to work with the church in most of her undertaking. She noted that majority of those abusing drugs and alcohol do so out of their psychological and mental challenges they go through in their life. “Drugs have a marked effect on the body and mind. If there were no effect, people would be unlikely to repeat the experience. No one sets out just to become addicted.” she said.

The church on their part through Pastor Christopher Misoi, the Executive Director of SDA’s Great Rift Valley Conference thanked the County Government for the generous support towards the program. He urged the delegates to live a worth life by quitting drug abuse and become ambassadors of new hope as they head back home.

Over 140 reformists, young and old, who shared their testimonials and declared to live a new life were awarded with certificates having gone through training and mentorship.

A section of the participants in the Okoa Mlevi Initiative

Counties in Western Kenya have come together under the banner of Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) as they seek to harness their diversity in economic development. LREB has attracted 14 member counties, Nandi being a key member heading the Trade and Investment Pillar. This presents an opportunity for inter-counting trading activities that would easily attract investors and in turn catalyze the economic growth of the region.

In a bid to attract more partners to the bloc, LREB has scheduled for an inaugural Trade and Investment Conference that will take place from 23rd to 26th of October 2018. Nandi County on the other will host the bloc’s summit in September. These are among many other activities that the bloc is engaging in.

County Assemblies in the bloc are already in the process of enacting The Lake Region Economic Bloc Bill that seek to develop policies and programs aimed at widening and enhancing cooperation among the member counties in economy, industry, social technologies and research fields, for their mutual benefits and  provide legal framework for member counties through agreements to establish institutions to strengthen industrial, commercial, social, technological and other relations to realize accelerated, harmonious and balanced development and sustained expansion of economic activities. Kakamega County Assembly has finalized on the ratification of the Bill.

A joint steering committee headed by Nandi County’s CECM in Charge of Trade, Investment and Industrialization  Dr. Kiplimo Lagat held its meeting in Bomet to assess the level of preparedness of Bomet County to host the inaugural conference.

LREB is set to work together to advantage on the shared resources and leverage on the economies of scales to help spur economic growth in the region.