- Kisumu is moving to establish a new investment hub focused on life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- The proposed project is drawing attention to the county’s push to attract industries and expand opportunities for young people.
- A land donation has helped advance plans for the proposed development in Muhoroni.
The County Assembly of Kisumu has approved the establishment of the proposed 50-acre Kisumu Life Sciences, Innovation and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) within the County. The special economic zone will be situated within Muhoroni Sub-County.
The matter secured the nod of the members following three readings in the chambers. The motion was moved by the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Nyalenda ‘A’ Boiton Ratib after which it was subjected to three readings before being approved.
Boiton said Kisumu has never had a special economic zone like other cities in the country. He said the zone will attract investors and at the same time create jobs for hundreds of youths within Kisumu County.
Boiton said Kisumu has for many years never had a single industry save for the Kisumu Cotton Mills (KICOMI) which he noted collapsed in the 1980s.
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He said the zone will see more investors and industries springing up in Kisumu County. The deputy leader of majority Lumumba Owade said he supports the idea of a special economic zone due to its inherent benefits.He added that the SEZ will open up Kisumu for major investments in addition to attracting investors of all cadres.
Migosi MCA Pamela Oyoo said the special economic zone is timely since Kisumu has never had one before despite the immense potential that exists there. She said other areas in the country enjoy the presence of special zones such as Dongo Kundu, Tatu City and the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSET) Corridor yet Kisumu does not have one.
Muhoroni-Koru MCA Vitalis K’Omudho said they are ready to provide more parcels of land in order to support more special economic zones. The members thanked the Great Lakes University for donating some 40 acres of land towards the establishment of the economic zone.
By Fredrick Odiero
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