Inside Eldoret's New EPZ Expected to Create 300,000 Jobs [Photos]

The government has completed the construction of the Eldoret Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Cherunya, Kapseret, with the facility awaiting commissioning.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project reflected President William Ruto’s ambition to transform Africa from a market dependent on imported goods into a producer and exporter of high-value products.

"President William Samoei Ruto has consistently held the conviction that Africa, endowed with vast natural and human resources, can transform from a consumer of imported goods into a producer and exporter of high-value commodities," he wrote.

Omollo said the Eldoret EPZ was an example of how the government intended to translate that vision into practical economic opportunities by expanding the country’s industrial capacity and creating products for international markets.

"At the Eldoret Export Processing Zone (EPZ), that conviction is taking shape in practice, as Kenya builds the industrial capacity to turn local resources into products for global markets," he added.

The facility was developed by the national government to attract investors and support industries that can process locally available resources into finished goods for export. 

Omollo said its establishment is expected to strengthen Eldoret’s position as an industrial and commercial centre in the North Rift region.

"Developed by the National Government, the facility is designed to make Eldoret City a major centre for export-oriented manufacturing, building on the region's agricultural potential, skilled workforce and strong transport links," he further said.

According to Omollo, the EPZ will accommodate several industries, with agro-processing, apparel and textiles identified as key areas of focus. 

Other planned activities include pharmaceutical production, business process outsourcing (BPO), information technology-enabled services and cold-chain logistics.

"The zone will anchor agro-processing, apparel and textiles, while providing space for pharmaceuticals, BPO and IT-enabled services and cold-chain logistics," he explained.

According to Omollo, its strategic location is expected to be a major attraction for businesses seeking to establish manufacturing and export operations. 

The facility is close to Eldoret International Airport and benefits from the region’s road and rail networks, electricity supply and proximity to Rivatex and Eldoret City.

"Its proximity to Eldoret International Airport, rail and road networks, reliable power, Rivatex and the city centre gives investors efficient access to both raw materials and export markets," he added.

Beyond manufacturing, Omollo said the project is expected to benefit farmers by creating a dependable market for agricultural produce. 

Demand for crops such as avocados, coffee, macadamia nuts, passion fruits, oranges and maize is expected to increase as agro-processing businesses establish operations within the zone.

Omollo projects that the facility will generate approximately 50,000 direct jobs, alongside more than 250,000 indirect opportunities.

"It is projected to generate about 50,000 direct jobs and more than 250,000 indirect opportunities across agriculture, logistics, manufacturing and trade," he concluded.

Elsewhere, the Pioneer Affordable Housing Project in Eldoret is nearing completion, with construction works entering the final phase.

In a statement on Monday, October 12, Omollo said the development, which comprises 2,148 housing units, is part of the government's efforts to address rising housing demand following Eldoret's elevation to city status.

"Since Eldoret was awarded City status in August 2024, for the past two years, the city has experienced rapid population growth, increasing demand for decent and affordable housing. 

"The Pioneer Affordable Housing Project is part of the Government's response, expanding access to quality homes while supporting the city's orderly and sustainable growth," he wrote.

Omollo said construction at the housing project was substantially complete, with contractors undertaking the remaining works, including improvements to roads, walkways and recreational facilities.

"Construction is now substantially complete, with works entering the final phase, including landscaping, the installation of cabro-paved roads and walkways, swimming pools and lifts," he added.

The development comprises 15 residential blocks containing 2,148 housing units. It also features 104 shops, a supermarket, a clinic and a kindergarten to serve residents and the surrounding community.

Additional amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court and children's play areas, providing recreational spaces within the residential development.

According to Omollo, the project also incorporates environmental management measures and has generated economic opportunities for residents and businesses during construction.

"The project also incorporates integrated waste-management systems, while its construction has created jobs for local residents and stimulated businesses in the surrounding area," he further said.