CS Kuria challenge counties to compete economically

Narok,

Friday September 29, 2023

KNA by Ann Salaton

Investment and Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has challenged counties to compete according to their premium production so as to boost livelihoods of the residents.

Speaking when he launched the 12th Aggregation and Industrial park at Limanet area of Narok County, Kuria said counties have huge potential of raising high income if they explore their unique resources.

“After devolution, I expected the counties to compete on the revenue they raise, but this has not been the case which is very unfortunate,” he said, adding that counties should be gauged through their productivity.

He cited the example of Narok County that is rich in livestock production and culture, but people remain poor because they have not exploited their resources.

“A time has come when the Maa communities should earn value for their rich culture. Everyone who wants to brand himself/herself using the Maasai attire, take photos with the morans or even use their identity should pay for it,” he said.

The CS reiterated a time had come when the livestock farmers should earn a fortune from their animals through the sale of hide and skin, milk and meat.

“The president has given 30 milk coolers to be put in the 30 wards of this county. This is expected to boost milk production in the county as the milk will be collected in a central place, before being transported to the processing plants.

Kuria encouraged the residents to take advantage of the industrial parks to increase their agricultural and livestock production.

Both national and county governments, he said, have pumped in Sh250 million each towards the industrial park initiative.

“We will provide all the machines needed for value addition. We are doing this in all counties so we encourage every individual to work hard as their will be market for their produce,” the CS continued.

Already, he said, they have injected Sh. 1 billion in the Ewaso Nyiro leather tannery so as to improve the leather factory.

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu lauded the initiative saying 70 per cent of the residents are farmers.

“I made a commitment of improving the people’s livelihood when I entered the office. I am sure that the initiative we are putting will boost the economy of this county,” said Ntutu.

Ntutu said the prices of milk will shoot from the current Sh. 30 to Sh. 50 after the establishment of the milk processing industry, thus boosting the income of the local farmers.

Thousands of job opportunities will be created for the locals and the infrastructure around the industrial park will be improved, he added.

“My plan is to boost Narok town to attain a city status. I know it will take time, but I can assure you it will come to pass,” he said.

Others present during the function were Narok South Member of Parliament Kitilai Ole Ntutu, Narok County MP Rebecca Tonkei, her Narok North counterpart Agnes Pareyio and the Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde.

Courtesy; KNA