President William Ruto’s push to transform Africa from a consumer of imported goods into a producer and exporter of high-value commodities is taking shape in Eldoret.
This is the story of the Eldoret Export Processing Zone (EPZ), a 135-acre industrial hub in Cherunya, Kapseret Constituency, that is now complete and awaiting commissioning.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo says the facility, developed by the National Government, is designed to make Eldoret City a major centre for export-oriented manufacturing.
“At the Eldoret Export Processing Zone, that conviction is taking shape in practice, as Kenya builds the industrial capacity to turn local resources into products for global markets,” Dr Omollo said, referring to President Ruto’s conviction that Africa, endowed with vast natural and human resources, can become a net producer.
According to the PS, the zone is strategically positioned to leverage the region’s strengths, building on its huge agricultural potential, skilled workforce and strong transport links.
What will be processed at Eldoret Export Processing Zone (EPZ)?
It will anchor key value chains including agro-processing, apparel and textiles, while also providing space for pharmaceuticals, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-enabled services, and cold-chain logistics.
Its location is its biggest advantage. Its proximity to Eldoret International Airport, rail and road networks, reliable power supply, Rivatex and the city centre gives investors efficient access to both raw materials and export markets.
Beyond manufacturing, the EPZ is expected to be a major boost for farmers across the North Rift and Western Kenya by creating a reliable market for crops such as avocados, coffee, macadamia nuts, passion fruits, oranges and maize.
Once operational, the zone is projected to generate about 50,000 direct jobs and more than 250,000 indirect opportunities across agriculture, logistics, manufacturing and trade.
Dr Omollo said security around the strategic investment will be prioritised.
“The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration will continue to support a secure environment around such strategic investments, working with relevant agencies and local administration to safeguard businesses, workers, infrastructure and supply chains,” he said.
