Residents of Kakwanyang in Turkana Central have pledged to donate up to 200 acres of land for the establishment of an Industrial Park in Turkana.
During engagement meetings with members of the public, the land acquisition for the project is aimed at establishing the Park as an economic resource to strengthen value addition and create an impact on residents’ living standards.
The County Executives for Lands, Peter Akono and Elizabeth Loote of Trade together with Samuel Ekale (Chief Officer of Trade and Cooperatives), James Lolwale (Director of Trade), and Esther Kiyonga (Turkana Central Sub-country Administrator) spearheaded the consultative meeting.
The residents, through their leader, Christopher Eporon expressed optimism that the placement of the Park in their vicinity would transform the fortunes of the surrounding areas of Monti, Katekerengor, Kalotum, and Katapakori.
“Once operationalized, the Industrial Park will raise our hope that our children will get employment opportunities, and the area will also get a facelift in terms of power connectivity, water supply, and access roads.” Stated Eporon.
During the meeting, CECM Akono said that the provision for the industrial park had been factored into the proposed County Spatial Plan and that the public engagement over the issue was meant to include the residents in the planning process.
His counterpart CECM Loote said the establishment of an industrial plan was on the priority agenda of the Governor’s Administration for the promotion of trade and the uplifting of Turkana as an investment destination.
MCA for Township Ward, Ruth Kuya, spoke during the engagement meeting.
The County Government of Turkana is projecting to construct the facility at the cost of Ksh 400M.
