Busia County's Nasewa EPZ Takes Shape [Photos]

The government is advancing plans to expand industrialisation beyond major urban centres through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the Nasewa Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Busia County emerging as part of the initiative.

In an update on Monday, October 5, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project is intended to bring investment, employment and enterprise opportunities closer to rural communities.

"The Government, through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is taking industrialisation to rural areas to expand opportunities for investment, jobs and enterprise," he wrote.

Omollo said in Busia County, the Nasewa EPZ is helping drive this agenda by creating an industrial hub expected to attract manufacturing, processing and value-addition activities.

The facility is taking shape with key infrastructure designed to support businesses that will establish operations at the industrial zone.

"With four warehouses, an administrative block, secure perimeter and reliable water supply, the facility will provide the infrastructure businesses need to establish and expand operations," he added.

Omollo said the development is also expected to create opportunities beyond the businesses that will operate within the EPZ, with local enterprises and service providers set to benefit from increased economic activity.

"Its completion is expected to generate direct and indirect jobs while creating new markets for local artisans, traders, transporters and service providers," he further said.

Elsewhere, the government has unveiled the newly completed Amagoro ESP Market in Busia County. 

In a statement on Sunday, October 4, Omollo said the market is expected to strengthen economic activity and trade along the Kenya-Uganda border. 

He noted that the market provides a central trading hub for local enterprises and will support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

"The newly constructed Amagoro ESP Market in Busia County is strengthening economic infrastructure for communities along the Kenya-Uganda border. 

"By providing a modern trading hub, the project will support local enterprises, facilitate regional trade and create greater opportunities for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise sector," read the statement. 

The market comprises two modern single-storey blocks with 200 smart stalls, display areas, secure storage, offices and cold rooms for perishable goods. 

The facility also has a revenue office, ICT hub, social hall, food court, ATM lobby and an accessible ablution block.

Omollo highlighted that the market will provide traders with a safer, organized and more productive trading environment while supporting commercial activities around the key regional gateway.