Transnzoia County Invest Opportunities

Trans-Nzoia County I nve s t m ent O pp or t u n i t i e s

2016

Sponsors and Pa r t ners

Sams Events

1.

Terms of Reference 22

Contents

1.1.

Methodology and Process 22 2.

Demographics of Trans Nzoia County

22

3.

Why Invest in Trans Nzoia County

25

3.1.

Departmental Investment Opportunities

25

3.1.1.

Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

25

3.1.2.

Department of Economic Planning, Commerce & Industries

37

3.1.3.

Department of Education and ICT

42

3.1.4.

Department of Environment, Water & Natural Resources

48

3.1.5.

Department of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture & Tourism

56

3.1.6.

Department of Health Services 62 3.1.7.

Department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning

66

3.1.8.

Department of Public Works, Transport & Infrastructure

69

List Of figures Figure 1: Luo cultural event 23 Figure 2:

A waterbuck at Mt Elgon National Park

23

Figure 3:

Maize Farming in Trans Nzoia County

25

Figure4.

Arrow roots for sale at a local market in Trans Nzoia

27

Figure 6:

The Governor, Trans Nzoia County giving out tissue culture

banana seedling to a farmer 30 Figure 7:

Ayrshire breed of cows in Trans Nzoia County

Figure 8:

A.I services for improving dairy farming in Trans Nzoia county 33

Figure 9:

The Deputy Governor, Trans Nzoia county restocking fish

34

Figure 10:

Model fish pond in Trans Nzoia county

35

Figure 11:

Bodaboda operators in Kitale town. Potential base for

31

Bodaboda Saccos 35 Figure 12:

Market vendors in Kitale. Potential base for a Sacco.

36

Figure 13:

A busy street in Kitale town

37

Figure 14:

Traders in an open air market along a street in Kitale town

38

Figure 15:

Informal businesses in Kitale town

39

Figure 16:

Local/non mechanised brick making methods

40

Figure 17:

Handicraft chairs ( weaved)

41

Figure 18:

School children at a school in Trans Nzoia

42

Figure 19:

The inside of an ECD classroom in a school in

Trans Nzoia County 44 Figure 19:

Old and Modern facilities of a vocational training

centre in Trans Nzoia County 44 Figure 20:

A modern ECD classroom constructed by the

Trans Nzoia County Government

45

Figure 21:

A modern computer lab 46

Figure 22:

Laying of fibre optic cables

47

Figure 23:

A section of forest at Saiwo Swamp

48

Figure 24:

Example of water pollution similarly experienced

in Trans Nzoia 49 Figure 25:

Example of air and land pollution similarly

experienced in Trans Nzoia 50 Figure 26:

A dried water point due to drought as a result

of climate change 51 Figure 27:

Water pump constructed by the county government

52

Figure 28:

A water kiosk constructed by the County Government

52

Figure 29:

Water drilling project in Kiptoi, Trans Nzoia

53

Figure 30:

Natural vegegation cover at Saiwo swamp

54

Figure 31:

Tree nursery project at Bidii, Trans Nzoia

54

Figure 32:

Picture of mineral exploration exercise

55

Figure 33: Luo cultural week 56 Figure 34:

A waterbuck at Mt Elgon National Park

58

Figure 35:

A Sitatunga at Saiwo National park

59

Figure 36: Mt Elgon lodge 59 Figure 37:

Yellow billed stock at Saiwo National Park

60

Figure 38:

Current state of Trans Nzoia County stadium, Kitale

60

Figure 39:

A picture of multi sport gymnasium

61

Figure 40:

The proposed Trans Nzoia Referral

Hospital ( architectural simulation) 62 Figure 41:

Trans Nzoia Referral Hospital construction in progress

Figure 42:

Modern equipment in an operating room( theatre) in a hospital 65

Figure 43:

A modern housing structure

Figure 44:

The Governor Trans Nzoia, issuing title deeds to

land owners in a lands reform program in partnership

64 66

with the National Government 67 Figure 45:

Upcoming Modern buildings in Kitale town

67

Figure 46:

Trans Nzoia fire disaster management crew

68

Figure 47:

Street lighting project in Kitale town

69

Figure 48:

A dilapidated road on one of the main streets in Kitale town

71

Figure 49:

The proposed modern bus park in Kitale town

71

Figure 50:

High mast lighting in one of the urban centres in Trans Nzoia

72

Figure 51:

Falling water that can be utilised for hydro power generation

73

Figure 52:

Organic waste for production of biomass energy

73

Figure 53: Wind power generation 74

List Of Tables Table 1:

Investment opportunities in Agriculture sub sector

29

Table 2:

Investment opportunities in livestock subsector

32

Table 3:

Investment opportunities in the fisheries sub sector

34

Table 4:

Investment Opportunities in cooperatives sub sector

36

Table 5:

Investment Opportunities inTrade/commerce subsector

39

Table 6:

Investment Opportunities in industry and manufacturing

41

Table7:

Investment Opportunities in the Education subsector

45

Table 8: Investment Opportunities in ICT 47 Table 9:

Investment Opportunities in the Environment Sub sector

50

Table 10:

Investment Opportunities in water and sanitation sub sectors

53

Table 11:

Investment Opportunities in Natural Resources subsector

55

Table 12:

Investment Opportunities in Tourism and Culture sub sectors

58

Table 13:

Investment Opportunities in Gender youth &sports sub sectors

61

Table 14:

Investment Opportunities in the Health sector

65

Table 15:

Investment Opportunities in lands, housing and urban planning sector

68

Table 16:

Investment Opportunities in Roads, Transport & Infrastructure sub sectors

72

Table 17:

Investment Opportunities in the energy sub sector

74

List Of Abbreviation And Acronyms AIDs

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

EAC

East African Community

GDP

Gross Domestic Product

GOK

Government of Kenya

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

ICT

Information Communication Technology

KM

Kilometre

KNCCI

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

MDGs

Millennium Development Goals

MOPHS

Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation

PWDs

Persons with Disability

ROK

Republic of Kenya

WHO

World Health Organization

Trans-Nzoia County Government

Trans-Nzoia At a Glance

T

rans Nzoia County is a county in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Its has a Total Population of 818,757 ; 170,117 House holds and covers an area of 2,295.5 SQ. KM. The Population density is 328 people PER SQ. KM and 5.2% of the population live below the poverty line.

Some Strengths of Wajir County include: • • •

Natural resources as water, arable land, livestock, pasture, wildlife Tourist Attractions as Kitale Museum, Mt. Elgon National Park, Kitale Nature Conservancy, Saiwa Swamp National Park Main Economic Activities include Horticulture, large scale maize & wheat farming, tea, coffee, commercial Businesses, fishing

Vision

To be an outstanding agro-industrialised county with high quality of life for residents

Mission

To facilitate transformative development, service delivery and good governance for sustainable socioeconomic development in Trans Nzoia County

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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MESSAGE FROM THE

GOVERNOR I t is a special pleasure to welcome you all to the first ever Trans Nzoia County Investors Conference and Expo.

This conference is an important process of Trans Nzoia entering into the globalised and competitive world market.

It represents the partnership of public and private sectors for economic growth and development.

As a County Government, we understand that time has come to build on the fundamental strengths of our economy. Our commitment to achieve the set strategic objectives speaks volumes as it is evident and tangible. My Government in broad partnership with all sectors of society has been the driving force behind all our achievements, be it political stability, the increasing impact of our programmes to meet social needs, the launch of development initiatives or the realisation of our macroeconomic policies.

attraction of Trans Nzoia County as a destination for investment also depends on its strategic location. It is accessible to all major East African markets hence providing new opportunities to manufacturers who must increasingly focus on the regional and global markets both for raw materials and to sell their products.

“My Government in broad partnership with all sectors of society has been the driving force behind all our achievements

Our efforts to encourage investment in areas of strength and unused potential are designed to generate sustainable economic growth and development in underutilized areas which have inherent economic potential to promote long term job creation, to open small businesses opportunities, to empower local communities and to exploit the advantages for export oriented growth.

This conference presents potential investors with an opportunity to know and understand Trans Nzoia`s industrial, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and tourism potential among others. The

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The County boasts of abundant natural resources such as Mt Elgon, which is one of the richest forestry resources presently underutilised. There is also potential for expansion in agriculture and especially food processing. These sectors among others provide a solid core around which strong clusters of economic activity can develop.

The success of each of them will depend on the partnership between my government, private sector and the rest of society. This collaboration will bring reward for investment and enterprise as well as benefits of development for the people of Trans Nzoia.

I urge all individuals and organizations willing to invest for consideration of the business opportunities available here in Trans Nzoia .

H.E. Hon. Patrick Simiyu Khaemba Governor Trans Nzoia County Government

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Message From The Deputy Governor

I

take this opportunity to welcome all to this historic event. The Trans Nzoia Investment Conference and Expo 2016 is a culmination of logical and sequential steps that the county government has undertaken to portray the county as the ideal investment destination.

This blessed county is bestowed with numerous resources that make us the ideal investment destination of choice.

Among the resources is adequate water, abundant and reliable rainfall from the County’s two main water towers.

This is in addition to human resource comprising of skilled and unskilled work force. The county is also home to many

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other institutions and organisations and their confidence in setting up here is a testimony of their confidence in our County’s potential for investments. These among other factors will work to the advantage of the potential investors. By encouraging foreign direct investment, Trans Nzoia can gain access to technology and knowledge that will trigger development and economic growth.

To stay relevant in today’s investing climate, investors need to be updated on the available resources and areas of potential investment hence the organising of this conference. In this regard, we are pleased to have the county investments profile that will assist all investors in

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

understanding the county as well as the available opportunities. This profile will be updated periodically with new information.

Finally, this very important forum will give investors insights into understanding the different investment opportunities to help them plan and structure their investment portfolios. I urge all the investors to strongly consider investing in our county.

Hon Dr. Stanley Kenei, Deputy Governor Trans Nzoia County Government

Message From The Senator

D

istinguished guests, I would like to welcome you to Trans Nzoia County for this very crucial investors conference. This county has benefitted from peace and stability for many years. Successive peaceful and democratic elections have been held to elect Parliamentarians and Members of County Assemblies and this provides the right political environment for consideration by investors.

This land is also full of unexploited resources and the growth potential of this county is unprecedented. There are plans for instance, to developing energy sector due to the abundance of renewable energy resources namely sun and wind.

During the period of this investors conference, you will be informed about our rich agricultural sector and the opportunities to diversify the county’s potential beyond agriculture. I have the pleasure of being the Senator of this county at this unique stage in its development.

Time has arrived for diversification of our investments. This has been made possible through years of countybuilding and peace-building at the hands

of constitutionally, legitimately and democratically elected leaders. Through collaboration and partnership with other county leaders, we have strengthened county government institutions and consolidated peace.

These foundations have created an environment where foreign direct investments can be implemented effectively and securely. With dedicated investment in key industry sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, Trans Nzoia has the potential to unlock and maximize its untapped resources.

We have ambitious plans across all these sectors. I hope that this conference will provide you with genuine insights into the reality of doing business in Trans Nzoia County. This forum provides the perfect opportunity to showcase to both domestic and international investors that Trans Nzoia is open for business I encourage you, the private sector and foreign investors, to exploit the wealth of investment potential my county beholds.

Hon Ndiema, Henry Tiole Senator Trans Nzoia County

Message From County Assembly Speaker

I

wish to welcome you all to the Trans Nzoia County Investment Conference and Expo 2016.

Trans Nzoia is promoting greater regional and inter-regional integration by taking steps to intensifying economic linkages with the major economies in Africa and in other regions.

The County Assembly under my leadership has initiated efforts to foster trade and investment ties with other potential partners by making the necessary legislative laws. Being the county policymakers, the Members of County Assembly believe that these laws and regulations are not only beneficial to Trans Nzoia but allows Trans Nzoia to present opportunities to our trade partners and investors to participate collaboratively for mutual benefits. As a testament to how seriously the County Government and the Assembly views its trade and investment agenda, we are joined here today by all county representatives on, water, energy, agriculture, trade and investment as well as our chamber of commerce, every

major investor in the county, dozens of flourishing indigenous businesses and a strong technical support staff to answer your every question and encourage your investment. We are here to talk and showcase about all possible investments in Trans Nzoia. I am committed to eliminating obstacles to investment and steer enactment of policies to remove those obstacles through the County Assembly.

Using Trans Nzoia as a base and exploiting the variety of factors that would drive growth and development in the coming years, it is possible to contemplate deeper links that can only lead to greater shared prosperity.

I am confident that investors will take home timely knowledge on opportunities and resources that they need to help them build their wealth in Trans Nzoia County.

Hon David Kinisu Sifuna Speaker Of The County Assembly Trans Nzoia County

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

T

he realization of the Trans Nzoia County Investment opportunities Profile was made possible by through the involvement and support of many individuals and organizations. We would like to appreciate the role played by these individuals and institutions.

I would like to greatly appreciate our Governor, H.E. Patrick Khaemba for his financial and moral support for the process.

I would also like to recognize in a special way the Chairman of the Technical Committee and the Chief of Staff in the Governors’ Office, Dr Julius Mbagaya for his able leadership, dedication and commitment until the end of the exercise.

I am also grateful to the members of the County Executive Committee,

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Heads and staff of various county and national governments departments, community groups and the private sector for providing information and ideas on programmes and projects in various sectors. We also appreciate the Easy Dial Research consultants for their technical advice and guidance on the process.

Further, I would also like to sincerely thank the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry for successfully coordinating all the activities of this process. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Sylvanus Abungu of KNCCI for his expertise and advisory role he played in identifying and profiling the investment opportunities of this great county.

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Finally, I would also like to thank the Speaker of the County Assembly, the Clerk and entire Members of the County Assembly for actively participating in the exercise which enriched the document significantly. Without their support this document could not have been made a reality.

God bless you all.

Veronica Muthoni Okoth Executive Member Economic Planning, Commerce and Industry Trans Nzoia County

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

T

rans-Nzoia County is one of the forty seven(47) counties in Kenya which were formed after the 2013 General elections with an area of estimated 2495.5km2. It is situated between Mount Elgon and Nzoia River. The county borders Bungoma to the west, Elgeyo Marakwet to the east, West Pokot to the North, Uasin Gishu and Kakamega to the South and Uganda to the North West. It is comprised of Trans-Nzoia West, Trans-Nzoia East and Kwanza sub counties. It has five constituencies namely Cherangany, Endebess, Kiminini, Kwanza and Saboti, with a total of 25 wards. The largest town which is also its capital is Kitale town.

To achieve its vision and mission, the County is aiming at facilitating the utilization of its vast investment resources. Therefore, this investment profile was prepared in order to inform all potential investors on the investment opportunities in addition to the resources available in Trans Nzoia.

The following are the investment opportunities in the various priority sectors:

1. Crop, Livestock and Fishery Agriculture is the predominant economic activity in the county. the county government is inviting potential investors in this very crucial sector.

Some of the investment opportunities include Corporate Farming, Food Processing Industry, Fruits Processing & Canning Industry, Green House Farming of Cut Flowers, Seed Production & Processing Industry, Vegetable Processing & Canning Industry and Compartmentalized Cold Storages among others

2. Tourism and Sports The main tourist attractions are in Trans Nzoia county are the Kitale Museum, Mt. Elgon National Park, Kitale Nature Conservancy and Saiwa Swamp National Park. This means there is a lot of potential in Hotels & camps, High altitude sports training facilities, Amusement parks, Casinos, Conference halls, Golf resort, retirement homes and Establishment of tour guides & travel agencies among others.

3. Commerce and Trade Kitale town is centrally positioned and is locally connected to Bungoma, West Pokot and Turkana counties as wells internationally to South Sudan, and Uganda. Because of this very important factor, the county is seeking for investors in Wholesale markets; Modern Retail Markets; Shopping malls; Consultancy firms & Sub-Contracting arrangements among others.

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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4. Health The county government is looking for investors to supplement its efforts in the health sector. Currently, a modern referral hospital is under construction. Investors are invited to supply and maintenance of modern equipments in the existing medical facilities in the county; Supply of drugs and pharmaceuticals; Automation of medical services; Establishment of a cancer treatment centre; Establishment of a medical training centre; Rehabilitation services to disabled persons and establishment of Modern and multipurpose Diagnostic facilities among others.

5. Education The county Government is in dire need of investors of this sector that has more often than not been overlooked in terms of infrastructure. The investment opportunities are in construction and equipping of modern nursery schools; Primary and secondary schools; Science and technology colleges/ universities; Vocational training centres; library in Kitale Town ;Construction of sanitation facilities on schools and ; Provision of books and other library materials among other interventions.

6. Housing The county government is seeking for investors in this fast developing sector in the region. The urban population is increasing rapidly since the devolved governments came into place. There are opportunities in Real Estate Development (Residential Villas, Apartments Complex, Office Complex Buildings etc); Mortgage services; Hardware premises/supply of building materials; Concrete products production ie pipes, slabs etc; Construction Machinery Leasing Services and Housing Estates among other areas.

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

7. ICT Governments are now turning to e-services and private sector must step to fill the gaps and provide needed supplies and equipments. The county government is therefore looking for investors in Data base, hardware and software Development centre; BPO centres; Digital advertisements and Broadcast and network; Installation of Fibre Optic transmission cables and ;Establishment of rural ICT villages/ data centres among other investments.

8. Industry and Manufacturing Availability of raw materials and ready market in this sector derives investment opportunities in various namely Fertilizer Manufacturing; Agro- Machinery Spare parts; Oil depot; Assembly and Spare automobile; Waste recycling; Electronic equipments and spares; and Water bottling among other areas.

9. Infrastructure In this sector, investors are invited in the areas of Road Construction; Road maintenance; Aviation Industry; Bridges and Culverts and Street lighting programme,.

Infrastructural water investments namely Construction of Water Supply infrastructure; Irrigation opportunities; Exploration of Ground water Sources; Rehabilitation of water and sewerage plants, water distribution system and green energy among others are key areas of business opportunity.

The County Government of Trans Nzoia heartily welcomes all investors both local and foreign to undertake investments that will foster economic expansion diversification and integration.

Dr Julius Mbagaya Chairman of the Technical Committee and the Chief of Staff in the Governors’ Office, Trans Nzoia County

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Welcome to Trans Nzoia County Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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1.

Terms of Reference

The rationale of this investment profile is to ensure requisite information is availed to all potential investors on the investment opportunities in addition to the resources available in Trans Nzoia.

The identification of the investment opportunities were done under the following ministries: i.

Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

ii.

Economic Planning, commerce and Industries

iii.

Education and ICT

iv.

Environment, Water and Natural Resources

v.

Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism

2.

vi.

Health Services

vii.

Lands, Housing and Physical Planning

viii.

Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure

On-site tours to the whole of Trans Nzoia County documenting the various investment opportunities through write-ups and photographs

•

1.3 Process

Methodology and Process

•

Field visits

The scope of the work incorporated the following elements:

•

Desk study, baseline survey, compilation and documentation of baseline informationPresentation to the department of Economic planning

•

Review of the draft plan by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Commerce and Industries

•

Submission of final draft.

1.1.

•

•

Reconnaissance tours with the local community groups, business communities, area chiefs and County Reps to identify existing and untapped investment potential in the various sub-counties.

Planning meetings with relevant

Demographics of Trans Nzoia County

Geographical Trans Nzoia County is located in the Western part of Kenya and borders Uganda to the North West, West Pokot County to North, Elgeyo Marakwet County to the East, Uasin Gishu County and Kakamega County to the South, and Bungoma County to the West and South West.

Capital Its capital is Kitale Town.

Area It covers an area of 2,495.5Km2 according to the 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census.

Population According to the 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census, the population for Trans Nzoia County was 818,757 people with a population density of 328 people per Km2 and an annual growth rate of 4.2%. Age distribution was; 0-14 years at 47.0%, 15-64 years at 50.2% and 65+ years 2.8%.

Climate Temperatures range from a mean annual minimum of 10°C to a mean maximum of 37°C, with average rainfall amounts of 11,200mm per annum.

Road network

surface covering 59.2Km, gravel surface covering 135Km and 306.5Km being surface.

Education and Literacy As at 2007, the County had 471 Primary schools with an enrolment of 229,408 pupils and a teacher to pupil ratio of 1:52.

There were 120 Secondary schools with an enrolment of 24,361 students and a teacher to pupil ratio of 1:18. The county has over 20 tertiary institutions which include a university campus, a nursing college, a farmers training college, a youth polytechnic, a teachers training college, and several commercial colleges.

Health There are a total of 78 health facilities spread across the county. The county has 2 District Hospitals, 2 Sub-District Hospitals, 33 Dispensaries, 7 Health Centres, 28 Medical Clinics, 2 Nursing Homes and four others.

Notable Hospitals include Kitale District Hospital and Kapsara District Hospital.

Prevalent Diseases: Malaria, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Diarrhoea, Typhoid, Skin Diseases, Amoebic Dysentery.

Tourist attractions The main tourist attractions are; The Kitale Museum, Mt. Elgon National Park, Kitale Nature Conservancy and Saiwa Swamp National Park.

The total length of all classified roads in the county is 500.7Km with bitumen

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county government officials.

•

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Economy Agriculture is the predominant economic activity in the county and is the leading sub sector in terms of employment, food security, income earnings and overall contribution to the socio-economic well being of the people. Majority of the people in the county depend on the sub sector for their livelihood. Large scale maize and wheat farming characterize the major use of land in the county. The main food crops grown in the county are maize, wheat, tea, coffee, beans and potatoes.Other economic activities are horticulture, commercial businesses, livestock keeping and fishing.

Political Leadership With the adoption of the new constitution in 2010 and subsequent elections of 2013 which ushered in the devolved system of governance, the County elected its first Governor who is the Executive authority in the County and his deputy, its first Senator to represent the County at the Senate and through affirmation of women and youth rights, the first Woman Representative to represent the County’s women and youth issues at the National Assembly.

Governor: H.E Patrick Khaemba Deputy governor: Stanley Kiptoo Kenei Tarus Senator: Henry Ndiema Women Representative: Janet Nangabo Wanyama

Administrative Units Trans Nzoia County has five (5) constituencies divided into 25 electoral wards. Cherangany Constituency has the highest number of wards with 7, Kiminini has 6, Saboti 5, Kwanza 4 and Endebess has the least with 3 wards.

Figure 1: Luo cultural event

Figure 2: A waterbuck at Mt Elgon National Park Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Why

Invest In Trans Nzoia County?

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

3.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Why Invest in Trans Nzoia County Fully operational and semiautonomous County Government in place that is efficiently run and has less bureaucracy in terms of procedures when applying for investment permits.

Favorable weather and climate to attract diverse people from different social cultural environments

industry, already one of the most successful in the world, continues to expand in the county.

Trans Nzoia County Development Priorities Provision of infrastructure

The county enjoys abundant natural and artificial resources ranging from agriculture and livestock, land, water sources, wildlife and tourism, knowledgeable personnel among others that support investments and industrial growth.

Strategic location of the Trans Nzoia county, at the heart of other counties and as a gateway to both Uganda and Southern Sudan offers unique business opportunities in all sectors The county has adequate infrastructure of access and feeder roads. Railway and air transport (air strip) is also an opportunity.

The ICT is on growth thus promising reduction in postages services etc. Mobile and landline communication are relatively cheap Attractive tourism, wildlife and safari destination. The tourism

basic

services

The county is networked with at least twelve Financial institutions (Banks, SACCOs, Microfinance Institutions) including the latest mobile money transfer facilities

•

The security is adequate to investors and may be upgraded on individual need basis

•

Availability of business support institutions and agencies

•

Access to electrical energy and power supply, water and other key inputs in any production and business process

and

• Refurbishment and expansion of existing infrastructure • Promoting and enhancing local economic development • Ensuring sustainable integrated rural development • Tourism development ,marketing and broadening access in the industry • Speeding up land reforms • Programmes for youth, women and PWDs •

•

The cosmopolitan county has been politically and economically stable over a time due to cohesiveness.

The able county leadership will enhance this through enactment of prudent and consistent sound policies that fosters efficiency, effectives and transparency in running the county affairs.

3.1.

Departmental Investment Opportunities

3.1.1.

Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

This sector comprises of the departments of: Agriculture; Livestock Development; Cooperative Development and Marketing; and Fisheries Development.

Vision: An innovative, commerciallyoriented and modern Agriculture and Rural Development Sector.

Mission: To improve livelihoods of Kenyans through promotion of competitive agriculture and innovative research, sustainable livestock and fisheries development, and growth of a viable cooperatives sub sector.

Figure 3: Maize Farming in Trans Nzoia County

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Key statistics relevant to the department Category

Description

Statistics

Geographic& climatic 2495.6

Total area KM2

1980

Arable land KM

2

Altitude (M)

1400-4313

Temperatures range C 0

10-30 Average temp-15

Rainfall (mm)

900-1400

Average humidity (%)

65

Total population

818,757

Agriculture Crops

Description

Statistics

Average farm size ( small scale ) ha

1.5

Average farm size (large scale ) ha

30

Acreage under organic farming

999.89

Crops ( annual Production)

Livestock Farming

Maize

5.4 M bags

Tomatoes

2,600 tonnes

Sunflower

13,000 bags

Coffee

3,200 tonnes

Tea

2.5 M Kgs

Flowers

3 M stems

Potatoes

113.200 bags

Bananas

3,600 tonnes

Passion fruits

100 tonnes

Description

Statistics

Ranches

0

Dairy cattle

167,200

Zebu

19,000

Meat goats

25,000

Dairy goats

1090

Sheep

68,300

Pigs

5000

Rabbits

11,500

Donkeys

7,000

Poultry; Broilers

13,350

Indigenous chicken

594,500

Layers

106,820

Bee Keeping ( hives)

26

Langstroth

2,560

Log hives

3,660

KTBH

3,250

Milk production ( litres)

90,423,400

Beef production ( number slaughtered annually)

9,890

Mutton production ( number slaughtered annually)

26,240

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Category

Fish Farming

Description

Statistics

Poultry meat production ( number slaughtered annually)

18,720

Description

Statistics

Fish farm families Area of fish dams M

Cooperatives

1,300 2

1,400

Area of fish ponds M2

450

Fish types

Tilapia, Catfish

Fish harvest Kgs

22,812.85

Description

Statistics

Number of cooperative societies

234

Active societies

110

Dormant societies

120

Total registered membership

39,655

Total turnover ( Ksh)

77,310,588

Share capital

1,266,596,246

Figure4. Arrow roots for sale at a local market in Trans Nzoia

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Agriculture

T

he agriculture sector is the mainstay of Trans Nzoia economy.

The sector employs about 80% of the county labour force is expected to provide the base for transformation of the county. In this regard, agriculture has continued to receive priority attention by the county government, through increased budget support aimed at

increasing agriculture productivity to ensure food security, income generation, creation of employment opportunities and poverty reduction across the county. The sector is characterized by diverse investment opportunities ranging from the production of cash crops, mechanization, horticulture, crop diversification programs and the

Figure 5: Finger millet

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

upgrading of agricultural equipment among others.

Main crops The main crops produced in the Trans Nzoia County are maize, beans, wheat, tea, bananas and potatoes. Other crops include coffee and a variety of horticultural crops.

Investment Opportunities Table 1: Investment opportunities in Agriculture sub sector Business opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

Maize processing and Packaging •

Modern maize mill plants

•

2.4 million bags

•

Modern storage facilities

•

Sunshine throughout the year

•

Modern on- farm maize driers ( solar powered)

•

Plenty of maize by- products for feeds processing

•

Animal feeds processing plant

•

Seed production

•

Modern farm mechanization

•

Supply of fertiliser

•

Poor post harvesting practices leading to high losses( mostly due to traditional storage facilities)

•

High costs of farm inputs

•

The county government is investing in promotion of farming of coffee and tea as cash crops

•

There is only one tea factory in the region

Fruit /Vegetable processing and packaging •

Avocado farming & processing

•

Tomatoes - 2600tonnes annual

•

Passion fruits farming & processing

•

Bananas- 3600 tonnes annual

•

Banana farming & processing

•

Potatoes- 113,200 bags

•

Tomato farming & processing

•

•

Potatoes farming & processing

Total acreage under food crops is 143,808 hectares

•

Snowpeas farming & processing

•

•

Pineapple farming & processing

•

•

Mango farming & processing

Inadequate acess to affordable credit

•

Horticulture produce Grading centres and pack houses with cold storage facilities, ripening chambers etc

•

Inadequate and poor information on markets and prices

•

Poor soils management

•

Organic food production

•

•

Green house farming

Diversify agricultural productivity

•

The county government is investing in promotion of farming of coffee and tea as cash crops

•

There is only one tea factory in the region

•

Inadequate acess to affordable credit

•

Inadequate and poor information on markets and prices

•

Poor soils management

•

Diversify agricultural productivity

Cash crops development •

Coffee farming & processing

•

Coffee- 3200 tonnes

•

Tea farming & processing

•

Tea- 2.5 million kg

•

Sun flower farming & Oil extraction

•

3 million sunflower stems

•

Wheat and Barley farming and processing

•

Total acreage under cash crops is 1,477.12 hectares

•

Rice farming & processing

•

Floriculture

Services •

Extension services and farmer training

•

Agro-lending services and linkage to markets

•

Surveilance, management and control of weed, diseases and pests

•

Crop diversification programs

•

Soil testing

•

Research and Advisory services

•

Contract farming

•

Manufacture of sprayers and pesticides

•

Agro information centres

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

29

Figure 6: The Governor, Trans Nzoia County giving out tissue culture banana seedling to a farmer

Unique competitive advantage in the agriculture sector a.

b.

30

Trans Nzoia is endowed with favourable weather and climatic conditions conducive for agriculture Presence of adequate water and availability of suitable soils proves the potential to develop horticultural crops, such as fruits, vegetables, root crops and cut flowers etc

c.

d.

e.

The county has abundant supply of skilled and unskilled labour as 85% of the population works in agriculture sector Fresh and processed Fruits and vegetables have a large domestic market in Trans Nzoia and the western region as well as across the country The groundwater potential of the county provides potential for irri-

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

gated agriculture f.

Availability of quality and vast agricultural land

g.

Most soil types in the county are suited for horticulture production

h.

Extensive road network, mainly regional and local roads, connects the county with the main traffic routes to western region and neighbouring country Uganda.

Livestock The main livestock bred in the Trans Nzoia County include: cattle, goats, poultry, rabbits, pigs, bees and sheep.

The population of major livestock species as at the end of December 2012 was estimated at 19,000 zebu cattle, 167,200

grade and crosses, 100,900 sheep, 27,600 goats, 5,000 pigs, 594,500 indigenous chickens & 105,600 grade layers and 11,500 rabbits. The total milk production was approximately 90,423,400 litres; of which 89,500,000 litres representing 98.98% was from grade dairy cattle and their crosses. Zebu cattle contributed

1.02% of the total cattle milk production.

The milk industry is dominated by small scale producers who account for 70% of the dairy industry’s output. Beef production in the county is a minor activity.

Figure 7: Ayrshire breed of cows in Trans Nzoia County

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

31

Table 2: Investment opportunities in livestock subsector

Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

Milk Value Chain

90 million litres of milk annually

Milk is transported raw

Improved dairy cows i.e. Ayrshire and freshian

There no other processing plant in the region except for KCC

•

Dairy farming and milk processing

•

Milk coolers for dairy cooperatives

•

Pasteurization and homogenization

•

Packaging and branding

•

Provision of Milk tankers for transportation

•

Set up milk bars and dispensers

Meat processing ( beef, pork etc)

Improve market access

Beef -9890 slaughtered annually

Improve market access

Mutton- 26240 slaughtered annually Poultry meat- 18720 slaughtered annually Modern and multipurpose abattoirs

Plenty of livestock Meat goats- 25,000

Establish coordinated livestock disposal mechanism

Poultry reproduction/Hatchery

Availability of poultry i.e. chicken, geese, ducks, turkey, ostrich etc

Improve poultry production

Bee keeping and honey processing

Beekeeping apiaries (beehives):

Access markets

Meet increased domestic demand

Langstroth-2560 Log hives-3660 KTBH- 3250 Small stock breeding and multiplication centres

Availability of rabbits-11500 and other small stock

Improve small stock production

Fodder bulking and conservation

Plenty of livestock

seasoned fodder supply Enhancing fodder preservation for the dry seasons

Ostrich farming

Presence of scarce production

Improve ostrich farming

Livestock Auction yards

Availability of variety of livestock

Create market demand Maintain quality of livestock sold from the county

Leather Production/tannery

Plenty of livestock hides and skins

Utilise the livestock by-products Create employment

Biomass fuel production

Availability of animal waste and waste agricultural products

Promote utilisation of green energy

Services

32

•

Quality A.I services

Improved animal health

•

Research and Breeding centres

•

Clinical and veterinary services

Enhance the use on information technology in livestock production

•

Livestock disease and pest control

Low livestock unit productivity

•

New livestockmarkets

•

High value forage crops

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Figure 8: A.I services for improving dairy farming in Trans Nzoia county Unique competitive advantage in the livestock sector a.

Trans Nzoia is endowed with favourable weather and climatic conditions conducive for livestock farming and production

b.

Ready market and easy access to EAC market

c.

Availability of skilled and unskilled labour

d.

Availability of vast land for large scale livestock production

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

33

Fisheries Trans Nzoia County does not have lakes therefore fish farming is limited to ponds and dams. Tilapia and catfish are the most commonly types of fish reared. There are 7 dams and 1500 fish ponds in the County. In the recent past, fish farming has become popular in the County mainly due to the national government support through the Economic Stimulus Programme.

Figure 9: The Deputy Governor, Trans Nzoia county restocking fish Table 3: Investment opportunities in the fisheries sub sector Business opportunity

Resources available

Why Invest

Fish farming and processing

34

•

Cold storage and fish Haulage

•

7 dams

•

Aqua-culture ( construction of fish ponds)

•

Rivers

•

Fish hatcheries

•

1500 fishponds

•

Fish Ornaments

•

Fish meal production

•

Extension services and Training

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

•

To produce fresh water fish for local and international markets

•

Promote modern fish handling and preservation technologies

Figure 10: Model fish pond in Trans Nzoia county

Unique competitive advantage in the fisheries sub sector a.

Ready market beacuse of increased domestic demand

b.

Land and soils available have quality potential for construction of fish ponds

c.

Availability of ground water suitable for fish farming

d.

Availability of a major river, Nzoia.

Cooperatives The County has 234 registered cooperatives.110 of these are active while 120 are dormant and four have collapsed. Most of these are formed by employees of government departments, farmers groups, private sector organizations and transport associations.

The main types of cooperative societies in the County include dairy and coffee farmers SACCOs; transport SACCOs, rural SACCOs, urban SACCOs, land purchasing SACCOs, housing, consumer and investment SACCOs. The land buying, dairy consumer, housing and investment cooperatives are spread across the entire County, the coffee cooperatives are found in the coffee producing areas such as Muroki in Saboti Constituency. The transport and urban SACCOs are found mainly in the urban areas such as Kitale Town.

Figure 11: Bodaboda operators in Kitale town. Potential base for Bodaboda Saccos

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

35

Table 4: Investment Opportunities in cooperatives sub sector

Business Opportunity

Resources Available

•

Formation of sectoral SACCOS

•

234 registered SACCOS

•

Automation of SACCOs operations

•

SACCO membership of 39,655

•

Financing ( Set up Cooperatives development Fund)

•

Turnover of Ksh 77,310,588

•

Training( Financial literacy)

•

Contract farming ( for agricultural SACCOs)

•

Reviving and streamlining existing Cooperatives

Why Invest •

Increase the accessibility to affordable farm inputs by farmers in SACCOs.

•

To enhance collective marketing through cooperatives that will make prices of the products and services competitive.

•

To promote mobilization of savings through Sacco’s among cooperative members thus creating wealth

•

To increase accessibility to affordable credit facilities by the members

Figure 12: Market vendors in Kitale. Potential base for a Sacco.

Unique competitive advantage in the cooperatives sector e.

36

Availability of potential Multi sectoral Saccos membership ie ( dairy Saccos, Bodaboda Saccos, Women Saccos, Investment saccos, etc)

f.

The demand for eeasily accessible and affordable credit by the informal sector players who form large membership for saccos

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

g.

Improving business enviroment across Trans Nzoia County

3.1.2. Department of Economic Planning, Commerce & Industries This sector is comprised of the departments of Economic Planning, Commerce, and Industry.

Vision: A globally competitive economy with sustainable and equitable socio-economic development.

Mission: To promote, co-ordinate and implement integrated socio-economic policies and programs for a rapidly industrializing economy.

Figure 13: A busy street in Kitale town

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

37

T

o stimulate growth in the sector, the County Government will develop physical infrastructure to support small and micro enterprises, put in place measures to improve on issuance of single business permits to attract investors, open up opportunities in the provision of financial support to residents for the expansion of business enterprises

and trade especially for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises sub sector.

In addition the sector which will go a long way in promoting and developing agro processing light industries in the county.

The local authorities in the county have also put in place by laws to safeguard the interests of investors. The county will

develop marketing strategies to promote the counties products. The County will also take the advantage of trade with South Sudan and the East African community as the County is the gateway to South Sudan and borders Uganda.

Key statistics relevant to the department Category

Description

Statistics

Number of registered trading centres

169

Number of registered wholesale traders (No.)

2,513

Number of registered retail traders

3,753

Number of registered Jua Kali Associations

7

Number of registered Jua Kali Artisans

2500

No. of industries/Enterprises (by type) Maize milling

1

Bakeries

3

Livestock products processing (value addition)

3

Manufacturing (Organic fertilizer)

1

Wholesale and Retail Trade & Industry

Figure 14: Traders in an open air market along a street in Kitale town

38

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 5: Investment Opportunities inTrade/commerce subsector Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

•

Establishment of an export/import market

•

Strategic location of Kitale town in the western region

•

Establishment of a modern Wholesale/ Retail Markets

•

Huge domestic demand

•

All major banks have branches in Trans Nzoia;

•

Kitale town is centrally positioned and is locally connected to Bungoma, west pokot and Turkan counties as wells internationally to South Sudan, and Uganda;

•

Minimise the imbalance between large-scale enterprises and the MSMEs and

•

Shopping malls;

•

Modern urban trading stalls/kiosks

•

Numerous MSMEs in the county

•

e-commerce development

•

•

(especially agricultural and SMEs)

Many un-standardised goods and services

•

strengthening the linkages.

•

Establishment of a Business Resource Centre ( market information centre)

•

Facilitate fair competition

•

•

Support for trade fairs, exhibitions and promotional activities

Lack of a comprehensive database of all enterprises in the county

•

•

Support Business Loans Funds (ie Nawiri Fund)

To impart business management skills to small-scale traders

•

Insurance Services

•

Consultancy firms

•

Support for inspection and certification of products and services ( ie KEBS)

•

Baseline surveys

•

Capacity building and mentorship programs

Figure 15: Informal businesses in Kitale town

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

39

Industry and manufacturing The county government of Trans Nzoia plans to boost manufacturing in order to promote and raise the profile of locally made products and produce, both domestically and internationally. This initiative supports government’s import substitution policy aimed at promoting production of items which are heavily imported but can be easily produced or grown in the country. Trans Nzoia is well capable of cultivating and processing agricultural produce. At the same time, it has a good mix of skilled crafters who make authentic handicrafts depicting the fine culture and heritage of the country and also established manufacturers who make fine products to supply to the local as well as overseas markets.

Figure 16: Local/non mechanised brick making methods

40

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 6: Investment Opportunities in industry and manufacturing Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

•

Agro based food processing plants

•

•

•

Agro-processing machinery spare parts

Variety of food products ie maize, tea, coffee etc

Inadequate value addition to agricultural products

•

Matured forest trees

•

•

Wood based industries( furniture making)

•

Availability of suitable soils

Maximum and sustainable use of forest resources

Brick Making industries

•

Availability of raw materials (clay, wood, bones etc)

•

•

Demand for cheap building products

•

Pottery/handicrafts/ornaments industries

•

Plenty of motor bikes, bicycles and vehicles

•

Assembly and spares automobile (motor bikes, vehicles and even bicycles)

•

Plenty of plastic wastes and scrap metals

•

Plastics and Scrap metal recycling

•

Plenty of waste wood hides and hooves

•

Glue processing

•

Existence of herbal plants

•

Manufacture of pharmaceuticals

•

Presence of underground water

•

Spring water bottling

•

•

Manufacture of paints

Plenty of starch crops ie maize potatoes etc

•

Soap making

•

Plenty of livestock by products

•

Manufacture of starch products

•

Availability of raw materials

•

Establishment of Tanneries

•

•

Manufacture of leather products ( bags & shoes)

Availability of raw materials and suitable crops( maize, sugarcane)

•

Manufacture of alcoholic beverages

Figure 17: Handicraft chairs ( weaved)

Unique Competitive advantage in manufacturing a.

Availability of skilled and unskilled labour

b.

High domestic demand for products and services

c.

The geo strategic position of Trans Nzoia county

d.

Favourable road network

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

41

3.1.3. Department of Education and ICT This sector is comprised of the Early Child Education, Adult and Continuing Education, Youth Training and the County Education Board in the county. This is a key sector for the success and development of Trans Nzoia County given the vital role the human capital plays in the development of a region. It is on this premises that the county must carefully nurture its human resource capital to achieve the desired development in future.

Vision: To have globally competitive, quality, effective and well educated human resources for the county’s sustainable development.

Mission: To provide quality education, training and research for empowerment of individuals to become competent and responsible citizens who meet the global labour market demands.

Figure 18: School children at a school in Trans Nzoia

42

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Key statistics relevant to the department Category

Description

Statistics

Pre- school

Description

Statistics

Number of ECD centers

Public 478, private 335 Total 813

Number of ECD teachers

956

Teacher/pupil ratio

1:38

Enrollment

Boys 18,099 Girls 18,086

Average years of attendance

3

Description

Statistics

Number of primary schools

Public 338, private 155 Total 493

Number of teachers

4,559

Teacher/pupil ratio

1:48

Enrollment

Boys 109,477 Girls 110,542

Dropout rate %

22

Average years of attendance

8

Completion rate %

Boys 83.3 Girls 79.8

Primary School

Communities distribution by distance to nearest public primary school %

Secondary schools

0 – 1KM

10

1.1 – 4.9KM

75

5KM and more

15

Description

Statistics

Number of secondary schools (public 157; private 17)

178

Number of teachers

999

Teacher/student ratio

1:45

Total enrolment : Boys

23,753

Girls

20,981

Transition rate (%)

52.7

Average years of attendance

4

Communities’ distribution by distance to nearest public Secondary school (%):

Tertiary Institutions

0 – 1KM

10

1.1 – 4.9KM

75

5KM and more

25

Description

Statistics

Science & Technology Institutes (No.)

1

Other Public Colleges (No. by type)

0

Youth Poly techniques

18

Private Accredited colleges by type: Teachers Training College

1

Private Non accredited college by type

0

Adult Education Enrolment: Male

1256

Female

1617

Total

2873

Literacy (percentage)

62

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

43

Category

Description

Statistics

Literacy: (Population aged 15+)

Description

Statistics

Ability to read: Can Read (%)

78.6

Cannot read (%)

14.6

Not stated

8.6

Ability to write: Can write (%)

73.9

Cannot write (%)

17.5

Not stated

8.6

Figure 19: The inside of an ECD classroom in a school in Trans Nzoia County

Education There is averagely high enrolment (85%), transition (78.6%) and completion (81.5%) rates in primary schools. Similar trends are recorded in secondary schools. However, the level of absorption of the drop outs and the form four leavers to intermediate and tertiary schools is dwindling due to inadequate training facilities. This therefore calls for intensive investment in the education sector to accommodate the increased academic needs.

Figure 19: Old and Modern facilities of a vocational training centre in Trans Nzoia County

44

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Figure 20: A modern ECD classroom constructed by the Trans Nzoia County Government

Table7: Investment Opportunities in the Education subsector Business Opportunity

Why Invest

•

Construction and equipping of modern nursery;

•

•

Construction and equipping of modern Primary and secondary schools;

To improve school infrastructural facilities ( inadequate and dilapidated infrastructure)

•

To reduce the rate of school dropouts in the county

•

Construction and equipping of modern Science and technology colleges/ universities;

•

Ensure all-inclusive education by removing all barriers to disadvantaged groups in Trans Nzoia

•

Construction and equipping of modern Colleges for business and marketing;

•

To ensure quality and efficiency in learning

•

Establishment of Industrial business incubators

•

To provide conducive learning and teaching environment

•

Construction and equipping of modern Vocational training centres

•

Improve knowledge dissemination and skills development

•

Construction of sanitation facilities on schools

•

Provision of books and other library materials

•

Construction of a modern library in Kitale Town

•

Provision of E- learning services in education sector

•

Health and nutritional programmes for schools

•

Review of curriculum in ECD, Youth polytechnic and Vocational training centres

•

Development of Adult education centres and programmes

•

Establishment of ECD Training college

•

Support bursary programs

•

Capacity building programs

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

45

Information Communication Technology Kenya is one of the fastest growing African nations in the IT sector. The country has several internet service providers. The national government also launched e-governance services in 2008 making ICT a priority in its economic recovery strategy initiatives.

Trans Nzoia County is a relatively young but slowly growing

ICT industry. The Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) industry is considered as one of the most competitive and dynamic sectors in the world. Trans Nzoia County wants to secure its position in attracting ICT investors. The objective is to harness Tran Nzoia’a ideal geographic location, competent workforce with world class and modern IT infrastructure to promote its capability and competitiveness and create a dynamic, vibrant and well connected e-society.

Figure 21: A modern computer lab

46

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 8: Investment Opportunities in ICT Business Opportunity

Why Invest

•

Installation of Fibre Optic transmission cables

•

Develop ICT infrastructure and amenities/ utilities

•

Establishment of rural ICT villages/ data centres

•

Ease information sharing and knowledge management

•

Automation County government operations (eGovernment initiatives)

•

Enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness

•

Free WIFI in urban centres

•

Create employment opportunities

•

Business process outsourcing (BPO centres)

•

The Laptop schools projects needs support;

•

Call centres

•

•

Data storage area networks

Governments are now turning to e services and private sector must step to fill the gaps and provide needed supplies and equipments

•

Multimedia development( film industry)

•

Supply of digitalisation equipment

•

Establishment of a modern ICT hub or ICT park

Figure 22: Laying of fibre optic cables

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

47

3.1.4. Department of Environment, Water & Natural Resources This sector comprises of the departments of Water and Sanitation, Environment, meteorology and Forestry..

Vision: To be a leading institution in the integrated conservation, protection, management and utilization of environment and natural resources for sustainable development in the County

Mission: To provide coordinated policy implementation, enforcement and capacity building

through integrated programmes for sustainable management and utilization of resource for county development.

Figure 23: A section of forest at Saiwo Swamp

48

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Key statistics relevant to the department Category Environment

Water and Sanitation

Description

Statistics

Description

Statistics

Solid waste management sites

1

Hill tops, slopes and mountain area protected

2

Description

Statistics

Main sources of water (% distribution of households) Pipe

9.9

Rain/Harvested

0.2

Rivers/streams

20.3

borehole

21.1

Protected well

20.8

Protected spring

12.5

Safe source

40.6

Unsafe source

59.4

Mean distance to nearest water point ( Km)

1

Household with latrines

36,075

Distribution by type of waste/garbage disposal %

Forestry

Meteorological

Garbage pit

28.5

Burning

3.1

Public garbage heap

10.9

Farm garden

52.4

Description

Statistics

Area of gazetted forest (Ha)

48,463.90

Irregularly settled forest areas (Ha)

2,037.2

Seedling production

4,000,000

Description

Statistics

Number of meteorological stations

1

Number of automated weather stations

3

Number of rainfall stations

10

Figure 24: Example of water pollution similarly experienced in Trans Nzoia

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

49

Environment The county of Trans Nzoia has not been spared from environmental degradation arising mainly from pollution, climate change, poor farming practices, destruction of forests, unplanned land use and natural causes such as landslides especially in the hilly mountain slopes. The resultant effects of environmental degradation in the County include reduced forest cover, soil erosion, reduced agricultural productivity, landslides, frequent droughts, flooding and erratic rainfall patterns.

Figure 25: Example of air and land pollution similarly experienced in Trans Nzoia Table 9: Investment Opportunities in the Environment Sub sector Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

Pollution control Modern waste management practices in garbage collection, disposal etc. ( Garbage collection trucks)

•

Plenty of waste garbage

•

Improve management of pollution and waste

•

•

•

Modern dump sites

Abundant solid waste, 70% organic and compostable

•

Solid Waste recycling and composting

•

Available Land for application of compost

Partnership in Solid waste management eases pressure on the County Government which is currently constraint on available resources for waste management.

•

•

Metals & Plastic recycling

•

Scrap metals and waste plastics abundant

Compost needed to amend the soil P.H which is currently acidic due to over application of chemical fertilizers.

•

Chemicals substitution

•

Training and Capacity building

•

Meteorology

50

•

Establishment of modern meteorological stations

•

Existence of unequipped stations

•

To acquire accurate and representative meteorological data and information

•

Aviation weather services

•

Kitale airstrip

•

•

Establishment of modern rain stations

Inefficient meteorological data processing and transmittal system

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

Abundant rainfall and good soils that support tree planting within the climate change hot spots areas

Create awareness and mitigation to climate change

Climate Change Establishment of Climate information centres Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures Training and capacity building

Trans Nzoia County has been experiencing climate change effects manifested in form of severe floods and other weather variability conditions like severe drought and hailstones.

Inadequate weather instruments to monitor weather/ climate change

Other Town beautification programs eg botanical gardens

Uplift the appearances of town and urban centres

Figure 26: A dried water point due to drought as a result of climate change

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

51

Water and Sanitation Trans Nzoia County is blessed with adequate fresh water supply.

According to the 2009 Census, out of the 170,117 households enumerated for water use, 19,702 had piped water as their main water source, 1,119 had ponds, and 34,441 depended on streams, 110,386 on spring/wells and boreholes. This situation has improved and in 2013, 28,855 households have access to piped water, while 5,813 households get their water from shallow wells.

In water supply, the county has 12 water supply schemes; (Kitale water works, Kapolet, saboti, Kiminini, Kwanza-Kolongolo,

Kiboroa, Masaba, Kimondo, Endebess, suam-Orchad, Matumaini, and Chepkoiyo). The sources of the water for the schemes are River Nzoia, Kapolet Forest and Mt. Elgon. The average distance to water points in the County is one kilometre where, 40.6% of the households have access to safe sources of water while 59.4% of the households have access to unsafe water sources.

In sanitation, the main modes of human waste disposal by households are pit latrines, main sewer, septic tanks and cess pools among others.

Figure 27: Water pump constructed by the county government

Figure 28: A water kiosk constructed by the County Government

52

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 10: Investment Opportunities in water and sanitation sub sectors

Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

•

Generation of Power using the existing falling mains from Treatment works

Rivers emanating from Mt. Elgon and Cherangany Water towers

•

Existing Kabolet – Kitale gravity main

•

Irrigation opportunities

•

•

Exploration of Ground water Sources

Existing rivers and Dams earmarked for rehabilitation

•

Rehabilitation of water and sewerage plants, water distribution system

•

Existing ground water potential

•

Existing dams in the county

•

Construction of Water Supply infrastructure

•

•

Enhancement of billing and collection system including replacement of non-functional meters and installation for all new connections

•

Rehabilitation of Rural water supply and sanitation

•

Increase access to safe water to the community at large in line with MDG

•

Utilise the available elevation heads to generate electricity to serve communities along the pipelines and enhance security

•

Enhance water fed agriculture for Food security and Industrial purposes

•

Supplement existing surface sources

•

Deteriorating quality of water sources

Figure 29: Water drilling project in Kiptoi, Trans Nzoia

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

53

Natura Resources ( Forestry & Mining) The County has over 18 percent of the total county surface area forest cover with a total area of 45, 454.37 ha as gazetted forest and none gazetted forest of 252.53 hectares. The major county forests include Kapolet forest, Kitale town forest, Saboti forest, Sosio forest, Suam forest, and Kiptogot forest. Other forests

include Kitalale and Kimothon forests.

Mining is a relatively new but thriving explorative economic activity in Kenya. In Trans Nzoia County, traces of Graphite have been reported at Cherangany hills. Other minerals reported are asbestos and vermiculite.

Figure 30: Natural vegegation cover at Saiwo swamp

Figure 31: Tree nursery project at Bidii, Trans Nzoia

54

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 11: Investment Opportunities in Natural Resources subsector

Business Opportunity •

Forestry

•

Carbon sequestration & trading

•

Sustainable Charcoal production and energy saving technology

•

Agro forestry

•

Bottling of spring water

•

Development of nature based enterprises

•

Conservation and restoration of Mt. Elgon and Cherengany water towers

•

Water catchment areas conservation, control and protection

•

Protection of wildlife

• •

Resources Available •

Presence of two water towers i.e Mt Elgon and Cherengany

Why Invest •

Enhance sustainable management and development of forests and natural resources

•

Encroachment on forest land

•

The County receives abundant rains and has got soils that can support tree planting exercise in support of conservation effort

•

Unsustainable livelihoods i.e. charcoal burning, riverbank and wetland farming

Mining

•

Reported Graphite at Cherangany hills

•

Exploration and study of potential minerals

•

Other minerals reported are asbestos and vermiculite.

Expansion of a mineral sector to contribute to the econony of Trans Nzoia county

•

Figure 32: Picture of mineral exploration exercise

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

55

3.1.5. Department of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture & Tourism This sector is comprised Gender and Social Development, culture, children, youth, Sports; and Tourism subsectors in the county. The Sector is comprised Gender and Social Development, culture, children, youth, Sports; and Tourism subsectors in the county.

Vision: Sustainable and equitable socio-cultural and economic empowerment of all Kenyans.

Mission: To mobilize the community to preserve culture, promote sports and tourism development, support social welfare and child protection and identify and nurture youth talent in Trans Nzoia.

Figure 33: Luo cultural week

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Key statistics relevant to the department Category

Description

Statistics

Social Demographics

Description

Statistics

Total Male Population

407,172

Total Female Population

411,585

Population under five (2013 projection): Male

82866

Female

80915

Total

163781

Primary school age group (6-13 Yrs): 2013 projection Male

113146

Female

112706

Total

225852

Secondary School age group(14-17 yrs) : 2013 projection Male

45416

Female

44685

Total

90101

Youths population (15-29 Yrs) : 2013 projection Male

129783

Female

135767

Total

265550

Labour force ( 15-64 Yrs) : 2013 projection Male

234985

Female

241551

Total

476535

Aged population ( 65 + Yrs)

Tourism

male

12363

female

13678

Total

26040

Children in need of special protection:

3966

Orphans

988

Description

Statistics

National Parks coverage (KM2) Mt Elgon (KM2)

169.16

Caves

Over 8

Saiwa (KM2)

2.9

No. of museums

1(Kitale Museum)

Common wild life animals ;

Elephants, Buffaloes Gazelles, Impala, Burcheli‘s Zebra ,Ostrich, Debraza Monkey Blue Monkey, Vervet Monkey, Olive Baboons, Birds, Waterbuck Bushbuck, Mountain reedbuck, Forest Cobra, Black & White, Columbus Monkey

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

57

Tourism & Culture

T

he tourism industry is one of the leading foreign exchange earner for Kenya. In this industry, Trans Nzoia has much to offer to domestic and international tourists. It has unique historical and cultural heritages, magnificent scenery, and historical places to visit. Trans Nzoia is a land of contrasts and extremes, a land of remote and wild places with a wide range of tourist attractions which have not yet been fully exploited The county is endowed with rich tourism potential. It is part of the western tourism circuit which has of late been a key marketing focus by the Kenya Tourism Board. The main tourism attractions in the county are around the Mt. Elgon ecosystem

and the Saiwa Swamp. The main attractions are elephants, sitatunga antelopes, buffalos, waterbucks, primates, leopards, among others. The main sites are: beautiful scenery, nature trails around Mt. Elgon, Kitale nature conservancy, river Nzoia, agro tourism (maize plantations like no other in the country) and Kitale Museum (snakes, artefacts’ and nature trail). The county has several tourism class hotels and restaurants. These include Aturukan, Mid Africa Hotel, Vision Gate Hotel, Iroko Twigs Hotel, Super Break Hotel, Sky Nest County Hotel, Kitale Club and Mt. Elgon Lodge among others

Figure 34: A waterbuck at Mt Elgon National Park

Table 12: Investment Opportunities in Tourism and Culture sub sectors Business Opportunity •

Tourism & Culture

•

Agro Tourism

•

Retirement Resort Village

•

Integrated Resort & Villas.

•

Serviced Apartments

•

cross border tours, cruises on Nzoia River

•

Mountain climbing

•

Conference halls,

•

Casinos,

•

58

Resources Available

Golf resort,

•

Amusement parks

•

Modern cultural center,

•

Establishment of tour and guide firms

•

Preservation and restoration of cultural sites

•

Construction of a modern cultural centre and art galleries

•

Film industry

•

Mt Elgon National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park,

•

caves in Mt Elgon,

•

Why Invest •

The county has high potential for tourism and lies within the western tourism circuit

•

Wildlife, beautiful Landscape;

Despite the tourism potential, there are no classified hotels and restaurants in the county. The existing hotels are not classified and bed capacity is low;

•

•

Birding watching in Mt. Elgon;

Kitale town provides a stop over to west Pokot, Uganda, Southern Sudan and Turkana

•

•

Kitale Museum;

•

•

Rich culture given its cultural diversity;

•

High altitudes and low cost of land.

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

There are a limited number of serviced apartments within Trans Nzoia

• •

The natural serenity for shooting movies/films etc

Figure 35: A Sitatunga at Saiwo National park

Figure 36: Mt Elgon lodge

Unique Competitive advantage in Tourism and culture a.

Breathtaking scenic beauty

b.

Vast Natural wildlife and unique ecological resources

c.

Unique cultural resources

d.

Friendly people

e.

Good road and communication network

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

59

Figure 37: Yellow billed stock at Saiwo National Park

Gender, Youth& Sports The Trans Nzoia county Government will economically empower its people by building the capacity of the youth and women. The rights of children will be taken care of and in addition strengthen the response to cases of sexual exploitation and gender based violence.

attractive and economically viable ventures. Use of sports as leisure will improve on the general well-being of the human resources. Sports activities will therefore be popularized as a vehicle for social integration and economic development.

The county will endeavour to make sporting activities more

Figure 38: Current state of Trans Nzoia County stadium, Kitale

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 13: Investment Opportunities in Gender youth &sports sub sectors Business Opportunity

Why Invest

Gender/Youth/Children •

Establishment of a rehabilitation centre for street children

•

To provide shelter and basic care to abandoned and abused children

•

Establishment of a child rescue centre and remand home

•

To build capacity and promote skills development

•

Rehabilitation ,Management and Control of Commercial sex workers and Drug addicts Countywide

•

Inadequate social protection and emergency funds

•

Construction and equipping of Youth Empowerment centre

•

To improve livelihoods of the beneficiaries

•

•

Social protection funds ( Children PWDS & elderly)

To empower women and youth financially as well as capacity build on entrepreneurship

•

Provision of assistive devices for the physically disabled

•

Establishment of community social entertainment parks/ children play grounds

•

Youth/Women Enterprise Funds

Construction/rehabilitation of Trans Nzoia County stadium

•

To restore and maintain the stadium

•

Establishment of Youth Sporting academies

•

To nature sports talents of the youth

•

Facilitate sporting activities, tournaments and events for example football, volleyball, races etc

•

Strengthen exposure to sports competition for local participants

•

High altitude sports training facilities

•

There is suitable climate and promotion of sports tourism

Sports •

Figure 39: A picture of multi sport gymnasium

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3.1.6. Department of Health Services This sector comprises of the following sub sectors: Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, Research and Development Vision: A healthy and nationally competitive county Mission: To provide quality health services that are equitable, responsive, accessible and accountable to the people of Trans Nzoia County.

Vision: A healthy and nationally competitive county Mission: To provide quality health services that are equitable, responsive, accessible and accountable to the people of Trans Nzoia County.

Figure 40: The proposed Trans Nzoia Referral Hospital ( architectural simulation)

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Key statistics relevant to the department

Category

Description

Statistics

Demographic

Description

Statistics

Total Population

818,757

Sex ratio (M:F)

100:101

Projected population 2017

1,100,794

Infant population

34,661

Female reproductive

208,559

Crude birth rate

County 30/1000 vs National 38.4/1000

Crude death rate

County 9.7/1000 vs National 10.4/1000

Infant Mortality Rate

County 58/1000 vs National 54/1000

Neo Natal Mortality Rate

County 14/1000

Maternal Mortality Rate

County 178/100,000 vs National 495/100,000

Child Mortality Rate

County 21/1000 vs National 24/1000

Under Five Mortality Rate

County 57/1000 vs National 79/1000

Health

Life Expectancy

Male 55 Female 59

Description

Statistics

Number of Health posts Sub County hospitals

3

Mission/DBO

1

Private

3

Public health centers

11

Private health centres

1

Public dispensaries

35

Mission/NGO dispensaries

10

Private clinics

36

Beds capacity

563

Average distance to health facility( KM)

5

Doctor/Population ratio

1:18,257

Nurse/Population ratio

1:2,153

HIV Prevalence %

5.4

Child Vaccination(FIC) %

53.6

Contraceptive acceptance( %) new visits

16

Antenatal care (ANC) % 4th visit

11.6

Place of delivery (%) Hospital

21.3

Health Centre

2.3

Dispensary/clinic

1.5

Maternity home

0.3

At home

74

Delivery Assistant % Doctor

10

Midwife/nurse

12.4

TBA

27.3

Trained TBA

40.5

Self

9.1

Other

2.6

Morbidity Rates %

Male 27.3 Female 44.3 Total 35.8

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Category

Description

Statistics

Malaria Control: Children under 5 who sleep under bed net % Untreated net

25.7

Treated net

20.6

Treated net under 1

53.8

5 most prevalent diseases % Respiratory diseases ( upper and lower)

43.4

Malaria/fever

37

Disease of the skin

9.8

Diarrhoea

5

Typhoid fever

4.8

Healthcare in Trans Nzoia County represents a significant investment opportunity in the country. There is a lot of pressure on public hospitals. The public hospitals are not in ideal state and thus not meeting the needs of the population. This makes room for private providers.

Figure 41: Trans Nzoia Referral Hospital construction in progress

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Table 14: Investment Opportunities in the Health sector Business Opportunity

Why Invest

Medical Services •

Construction and equipping of a modern referral hospital

•

Equip and rehabilitate existing health facilities

•

Supply of drugs and pharmaceuticals

•

Automation of medical services

•

Establishment of a cancer treatment centre

•

Establishment of a medical training centre

•

Rehabilitation services to disabled persons

•

Modern and multipurpose Diagnostic facilities

•

Emergency Medical Transportation Service

•

Mobile clinics

•

Mobile blood transfusion centers

•

Emergency Medical Transportation Services

•

Establishment of a mental homes and healthcare

•

To reduce the number of patients referred out of the county

• •

Rising medical cases that requires specialized treatment

• •

Promote medical/health tourism

• •

Provide essential health services at affordable costs

• •

Inadequate medical staff

•

Shortage of medical equipments

•

Shortage and irregular medical supplies

•

Inadequate healthcare facilities

Public Health & Sanitation •

Establishment and promotion of use of non water based ( Ecosun) sewerage systems

•

To provides quality services through strengthened structures

•

Promotion of good health and the prevention of illness

•

•

Countywide information dissemination

To empower families especially children and women at risk in Trans Nzoia County

•

Construction of modern public toilets

•

High prevalence of communicable diseases

•

There is increased exposure of majority of the population to health risk environment

•

To Reduce HIV prevalence;

•

To improve quality of life for the HIV infected and affected

•

Improve the TB cure rate.

•

To Reduce malaria morbidity and mortality.

•

To Reduce infant and children mortality rate

Research & Development • •

Training of existing health workers HIV/AIDs/TB Control

•

Malaria control

•

Immunization support

•

Research and development of Herbal medicine

The current county health care system consists of both the public and private sectors, with the private one increasingly complementing public services. While the size and responsibilities of the private sector varies, it is usually diverse, representing a broad range opportunities for profit businesses and not-for profit organizations. The need for medical services will increase with increase in population and consecutive changes in environment due to human activities.

Figure 42: Modern equipment in an operating room( theatre) in a hospital Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

65

3.1.7. Department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning This sector comprises of the following sub-sectors: Lands, Housing, Survey Department and physical planning department.

Vision: Excellence in land management for sustainable development of Trans Nzoia County Mission: to facilitate improvement of livelihood of people of Trans Nzoia through efficient administration, equitable access, secure tenure and sustainable management of land resources.

Figure 43: A modern housing structure

Key statistics relevant to the department Category

Description

Statistics

Total area KM2

2495.6

Total urban areas KM2

111.50

Demographics

Distribution of Households by ownership (%)

66

Owner occupied

68.8

Rented

31.2

Total population

818,757

Projected Population 2017

1,100,794

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

The sector is responsible for urban planning and design, land use planning, zoning, land survey and mapping including providing topographical data for site planning and development purposes. The function also provide guidelines on boundaries and fencing including road and shared access boundaries.

Other roles include the coordination of urban development within the county through long-term strategies and development guidelines including statistics, urban design and planning, development control, property, estates and facilities management and development and outdoor advertising.

Figure 44: The Governor Trans Nzoia, issuing title deeds to land owners in a lands reform program in partnership with the National Government The housing sub sector will continue to ensure continuous maintenance of public housing infrastructure to ensure they remain in good condition. Through various programmes, the subsector will also create an enabling environment for private sector participation in development of low cost rental housing and coordinate stakeholders in the housing and human settlement.

The County has two types of land ownership; public and private.

The government owns the land where government facilities are erected, and also river and road reserves. Land ownership is either Free hold land, Leasehold or on Temporary occupational basis.

Figure 45: Upcoming Modern buildings in Kitale town

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Table 15: Investment Opportunities in lands, housing and urban planning sector Business Opportunity

Resources available

Why Invest

Lands & Physical planning •

Mapping of public land/facilities

•

Availability of land

•

Inadequate data on land resources

•

Create a consolidated GIS land management system

•

Plenty of public facilities

•

Outdated practices of land management

•

To enhance efficiency

•

To have a properly planned town due to increasing population

•

To mitigate and handle any fire disaster

•

Provision of land survey equipment

•

Town decongestion program ( redevelopment of Kitale town)

•

Capacity building ie in preparation of spatial plans

•

Modern and equipped fire station

Housing •

Real Estate Development (Residential Villas, Apartments Complex, Office Complex Buildings etc)

•

Mortgage services

•

Cement Blocks making/Stabilized Earth Bricks Making Unit

•

Hardware premises/supply of building materials

•

Concrete products production ie pipes, slabs etc

•

Construction Machinery Leasing Services

•

Housing Estate

•

Projected surge in urban population

•

Kitale is the County headquarter but lacks decent housing

•

Only 315 government houses;

•

•

Availability of local construction material including building stones, sand , timber and land

New County government and other office establishments needs office accommodation and residential housing for staff

•

Demand for low cost houses

Figure 46: Trans Nzoia fire disaster management crew

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

3.1.8. Department of Public Works, Transport & Infrastructure This sector consists of roads, transport, public works and energy subsectors.

Vision: A world class provider of cost-effective physical and infrastructure facilities and services Mission: To provide efficient, affordable and reliable infrastructure for sustainable economic growth and development through construction, modernization, rehabilitation and effective management of all infrastructure facilities.

Figure 47: Street lighting project in Kitale town

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

69

Key statistics relevant to the department Category

Description

Roads & Transport

Road length (KM):

Energy

Statistics

Bitumen surface

154

Gravel surface

167.07

Earth surface

786.37

Rural access roads (unclassified roads)

2953.5

Total

4,060.94

Railway line (km)

23

Rail way stations(no.)

1

Airports

0

Airstrips

1

Description

Statistics

Trading centres with electricity

145

Trading centres without electricity

24

Health facilities with electricity

44

Health facilities without electricity

13

HH distribution by main cooking fuel (%) Electricity

0.3

Gas (LPG)

0.9

Biogas

0.5

Solar

0.0

Paraffin

3.4

Firewood

76.8

Charcoal

18.0

Other

0.2

HH distribution by main lighting fuel (%) Electricity

8.9

Solar

0.9

Gas Lamp

0.6

Pressure Lamp

0.6

Lantern

38.8

Tin lamp

49.4

Fuel wood

0.6

Others

0.3

HH distribution by cooking appliance type: (%)

70

Traditional stone fire

74

Improved traditional stone fire

0.3

Ordinary Jiko

8.7

Improved Jiko

10.5

Kerosene Stove

4.7

Gas Cooker

0.6

Electric cooker

Data not stated

Other

1.1

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Figure 48: A dilapidated road on one of the main streets in Kitale town

Roads, Transport, Public works & Infrastructure Trans Nzoia County Government identifies infrastructure development as a critical component for socioeconomic transformation our economy. The sector aspires for a county with modern road network and towns and centers with good infrastructural facilities that would make the county competitive thereby attractive to both local and international investors.

The County ‘s exceptional geo-strategic position necessitates infrastructural development as it is situated on important western Kenya traffic corridors. Extensive road network, mainly regional and local roads, connects the County with the main traffic routes to South Sudan and Uganda.

the county has a total length of 4,060 Km of road network of which bitumen surface is 154 km, gravel surface covers 167 km, and earth surface is 786 km while 2953 km is unclassified roads (rural access). The county is covered by 23km of railway line ending at Kitale Railway Station ( Mwisho wa reli) and has one Airstrip.

In terms of infrastructural development,

Figure 49. The proposed modern bus park in Kitale town

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Table 16: Investment Opportunities in Roads, Transport & Infrastructure sub sectors Business Opportunity

Resources Available

Why Invest

Roads •

Rehabilitation of existing roads and construction of drainage structures

•

Construction of new planned roads

•

Construction of bridges

•

Supply of road construction equipment and materials

•

Construction of walkways and cycling lanes

•

Capacity building for local road contractors

•

County Roads

•

Bridges and Culverts

•

Registered local contractors

•

Non motor able roads specially during rainy season

•

Inadequate staff skills and competencies;

•

Ease communication access

•

Safety for pedestrians and non-motorized cycles

• •

Improve quality of road works and road assets

•

To have quality parking facilities in urban areas

•

The county faces huge problems of transport not only because of bad roads but as well by limited quality means of transport

•

The County and national governments planning to upgrade the airstrip

•

Kitale is the end of Railway line (Mwisho wa reli) therefore any expansion will benefit the local investors

•

Street light is a county function and investors in the sector stands to gain.

•

Unplanned/congestion of parking bays

Transport •

Construction of modern bus parks

•

Modern Car taxis

•

Trucking goods

•

Existing bus parks

Infrastructure & Public works •

Development and expansion of Kitale airstrip including infrastructure and aviation services

•

Revitalization of Kitale-Eldoret railway

•

Urban Street lighting and rural lighting

•

County traffic and parking control

•

Kitale Airstrip;

•

Rift Valley railway line;

•

Street lighting programme

Figure 50: High mast lighting in one of the urban centres in Trans Nzoia

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Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Energy Kenya is dependent mainly on three forms of energy namely: petroleum, electricity and wood-fuel. Wind, solar and biogas are used as alternative energy sources to lesser extent.

The main source of energy in the Trans Nzoia is wood fuel and charcoal. Electricity is supply is quite low with only 145 market centres have been connected to the national grid, while 24 centres have no electricity. In addition, 44 health facilities have electricity while 13 others have no electricity. At the household level, only 8.9 % of the households use electricity as their main source of lighting while 0.03 % of the households use electricity for cooking.

Figure 51: Falling water that can be utilised for hydro power generation

Figure 52: Organic waste for production of biomass energy

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

73

Table 17: Investment Opportunities in the energy sub sector Business Opportunity

Resources Available

•

Generation of Power using the existing falling mains from Treatment works

•

production and management of renewable energy( wind and solar)

•

Provision of solar pump water supply systems, solar systems for schools, health facilities and rural community

•

Biomass energy generation

•

Capacity building

•

Existing Kabolet – Kitale gravity main

•

Plenty of solar and strong winds

•

Plenty of organic waste in the county

Figure 53:Wind power generation

74

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

Why Invest •

Utilise the available elevation heads to generate electricity to serve communities along the pipelines and enhance security

•

To promote power sector development in order to meet future needs and improve quality of supply

•

Reliable and affordable electricity

References Republic of Kenya (2013). Trans Nzoia County Integrated Plan.

Trans Nzoia County Government www.kenyacountyguide.com www.transnzoia.go.ke www.transnzoiassembly.go.ke

Trans Nzoia County Investment Opportunities

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Research and Branding Partners

Email: info@transnzoiainvest.co.ke www.transnzoia.go.ke www.transnzoiainvest.co.ke