The County Government of Uasin Gishu has spotlighted major progress in trade facilitation and infrastructure development during the ongoing Eldoret International Business Summit, hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
Speaking at a high-level panel session, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade and Cooperatives, Martha Cheruto, emphasized the county’s deliberate efforts to foster a more business-friendly environment. She highlighted that new trade policies and regulatory frameworks, aligned with the Nguzo Kumi Agenda and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), have been rolled out to enhance commerce across the region.
“We have developed an investment guide that simplifies market access for traders, enabling them to conduct their businesses with ease,” Cheruto said.
Cheruto further urged entrepreneurs to diversify their offerings to maximize profitability, especially in light of the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) currently under construction. She stressed the importance of producing high-value crops to supply the park sustainably, reinforcing the county’s commitment to long-term economic transformation.
Strategic Location Advantage
Positioned at the heart of the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), Eldoret continues to grow as a prime business hub. Cheruto encouraged stakeholders to leverage this strategic advantage, citing the county’s proactive stance in attracting and supporting new investments.
Infrastructure Improvements to Support Growth
Joining the panel, CECM for Roads, Engineer Joseph Lagat, outlined major infrastructural initiatives designed to bolster industrialization efforts.
“Connectivity is crucial for trade. We are upgrading drainage systems, constructing bridges, and have allocated 10% of our county budget towards road maintenance,” said Lagat.
The county is focusing on rural road grading and graveling while maintaining high-quality bitumen standards in urban areas, ensuring seamless connectivity that boosts economic activities across sectors.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Youth
KNCCI President, Dr. Eric Rutto, commended the county’s efforts and invited young entrepreneurs to tap into the chamber’s growing programs.
“We are now offering memberships to students and training 120 businesses for export markets through our specialized programs,” Dr. Rutto noted.
Summit Outlook
The three-day summit positions Eldoret as a rising center for innovation, trade, and investment. With ongoing initiatives in trade policy reform, infrastructure upgrades, and entrepreneurial empowerment, Uasin Gishu County stands poised to attract local and international investors looking for promising growth opportunities.
