Baringo plans global expo to showcase investment potential

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi (centre) and County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo (left) during Madaraka Day celebrations in Kabarnet on June 1, 2015. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Cheboi said investors eyeing Baringo would lease land, get access to water, hire local labour and get tax-friendly incentives to help them create jobs.
• The governor noted that several three-star tourist hotels as well as low budget resorts were setting base in the region.
• Already ruby, manganese and diatomite mineral deposits have been discovered in the county.

By JAMES KARIUKI
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Baringo County plans to host a global conference next month to market the region’s investment potential.

Governor Benjamin Cheboi Wednesday said the county had managed to tame the cattle rustling menace and embarked on publicising the business opportunities for investors across the world.

Speaking at Intercontinental Hotel during a media briefing, Mr Cheboi said investors eyeing Baringo would lease land, get access to water, hire local labour and get tax-friendly incentives to help them create jobs.

“My government seeks to nurture a people-driven enterprises such as tourism ventures, honey and meat processing. We have built four slaughterhouses that are now ready for leasing to private investors, who will slaughter animals and package for the local and export market,” he said.

BARINGO ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EXPO SUMMIT
The Baringo Entrepreneurship and Expo Summit (BEES) is scheduled to take place between November 4 and 6 at Kabarnet Showgrounds.

The governor noted that several three-star tourist hotels as well as low budget resorts were setting base in the region.

Tullow Oil is exploring energy resources while a feasibility study for a planned cable-cars investment is underway. The deal is being jointly done by Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet county governments. It will see private investors implement the project running from Elgeyo Marakwet to Tugen Hills.

MINERAL WEALTH

“Investors are assured of co-operation from all political leaders as we recognise the need to nurture businesses that create jobs. Baringo has many untapped resources where investors can make profits while our people get jobs,” Mr Cheboi said.

Already ruby, manganese and diatomite mineral deposits have been discovered in the county. The Geothermal Development Company is currently exploring how to harness 7,000MW of geothermal power at Silale belt.

“We have hardworking farmers who plant all types of fruits sold in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu counties as well as in Kisumu. We want investors in the value addition industry to partner with farmers to process and package these products.”

Investors keen on marketing the county’s potential as a tourist destination would get support, he noted.