The Kisumu County Assembly has approved the establishment of a proposed 50-acre special economic zone in Muhoroni Sub-County to support life sciences, innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The proposal, which was subjected to three readings in the assembly, was moved by Nyalenda A MCA Boiton Ratib and received the backing of members.
Ratib said the project would attract investors, create jobs for young people and boost industrial development in the county.
He said Kisumu had lagged behind other parts of the country in establishing special economic zones, adding that the county had struggled to sustain major industries.
Ratib cited the collapse of the Kisumu Cotton Mills (KICOMI) in the 1980s as an example of the county’s industrial decline.
He said the proposed zone would help attract new industries and encourage investment in Kisumu.
Deputy Majority Leader Lumumba Owade supported the proposal, saying the zone would open up the county to major investments and attract investors across various sectors.
Migosi MCA Pamela Oyoo said the project was timely, given Kisumu’s economic potential and the absence of a similar zone in the county.
She pointed to other investment hubs in the country, including Dongo Kundu and Tatu City, saying Kisumu should also benefit from such developments.
Muhoroni-Koru MCA Vitalis K’Omudho said the area was ready to provide additional parcels of land to support the establishment of more special economic zones.
Assembly leaders commended Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o for spearheading efforts to establish the zone.
They also thanked Great Lakes University for donating 40 acres of land towards the project.
The proposed facility is expected to provide a platform for pharmaceutical manufacturing, scientific research and innovation, while creating opportunities for investment and employment in Kisumu County.
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