[Source: The Standard, by Kepher Otieno]
Kisumu County has identified approximately 10,000 acres of land in Miwani for a special economic zone (SEZ).
The SEZ is projected to address private sector constraints such as the cost of energy, limited transport linkages, market access and bureaucracy.
Governor Anyang Nyong’o said the availability of commercial land for establishment of the SEZ will help spur the lakeside city’s industrial growth.
“The SEZ will provide more land for small and large scale industrial development, create jobs in skilled sectors and encourage knowledge transfer to bolster growth,” he said.
He also cited the challenges that will require immediate intervention on the land.
“The onsite terrain at the proposed land is flat and the black cotton soil will require significant investments in a drainage system,” said Prof Nyong’o at a pre-feasibilty investment conference at a Kisumu hotel.
He said there will be need for significant investment in offsite infrastructure, particularly access roads.
So far, Nyong’o disclosed, the county has partnered with the World Bank and its affiliate, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to help effect the SEZ.
Part of this partnership entails IFC support for a more detailed feasibility assessment and market trend and demand analysis for the site, in the Greater Lakes region and beyond.
The SEZ is expected to, among other issues respond to demand from specific companies for the services of a zone.
Before its launch last year, a number of challenges played part in the delay to actualise the Kisumu SEZ, key among them being acquisition of adequate land.
This includes the sector prioritisation and assessment of economic and commercial viability of Kisumu Miwani SEZ and sustainability of the project.
Most of the land in the appointed site either belonged to private entities or was owned by the government but in use.
[Full article: The Standard, by Kepher Otieno]
