Eldoret is among the fastest-growing urban centres in the country.
The city’s growth has been attributed to its strategic location along the northern corridor and its being the de facto headquarters of the North Rift region.
Eldoret’s growth has been sustained by many factors, including the public and private hospitals, making it a medical hub, several colleges and universities, as well as factories.
The city is home to several factories, which have provided direct and indirect jobs to several locals.
Which factories are in Eldoret?
Uasin Gishu News takes a look at some of the factories found within Eldoret City.
New KCC Eldoret
This is one of the government-run factories within Eldoret. The factory that received milk from dairy farmers is located along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road, just opposite the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI), a few kilometres from the Eldoret city centre.
The factory packages milk, yoghurt and powder milk.
Unga Limited
Located at the heart of Eldoret CBD, just a few meters behind the Eldoret Huduma Centre, UNGA Limited manufactuers popular wheat brand EXE. The factory, which is privately owned, also buys wheat from farmers.
DOLA group
Located just next to Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Dola Group is a factory that manufactures both wheat and maize flour.
It has several brands, including Unga wa Dola maize flour, Jahazi, Unga wa Dola bakers flour, Ziwa Premium Flour, Babalao flour, and KFM Chenga Flour.
In addition to maize and wheat flour, the Dola Group, through its parent company Kitui Flour Mills Limited, manufactures vegetable cooking oil. The company entered the edible oils market as part of a diversification strategy, with production taking place at its Vipingo plant in Kilifi County.
RIVATEX
Alongside KCC, RIVATEX is one of the oldest factories in Eldoret. It’s located a few kilometres from the CBD along the Eldoret-Kapsabet Road.
The company was, until recently, state-owned. It has since been leased to a strategic investor, ARISE IIP. The investor has already signed a 21-year lease deal with the government.
Iron sheets companies
Eldoret also has multiple companies that manufacture iron sheets, including the Mabati Rolling Mills, whose main offices are near Rupa’s Mall.
KEN-KNIT
This is the oldest factory in Eldoret. It is privately owned. KENKNIT is a textile company that manufactures knitwear, hand-knitting yarn, hosiery yarn, blankets, pillows, kikois, shukas, furnishing materials and wool.
The factory is located along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway, just opposite Rupa’s Mall.
Raiply
Raiply is privately owned by the famous Rai family. It is a leading manufacturer and supplier of veneer &ordinary plywood, chipboards, doors, block boards, ceiling boards, melamine boards, parquet flooring, furniture, polypropylene woven bags and foam mattresses.
The factory is located along the Eldoret-Webuye Highway, opposite Huruma Grounds.
Brookside Dairy
Brookside Dairy has a significant presence in Eldoret, operating a milk plant located on Nandi Road, Pioneer area. The company, established in 1993, is a major player in East Africa’s dairy industry, processing milk across more than 12 countries and partnering with over 200,000 farmers daily.
