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COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF UASIN GISHU

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF UASIN GISHU

Why Invest In Uasin Gishu?

CATALOGUE

UASIN GISHU COUNTY MAP

Map of Kenya

CONTENTS
AGRICULTURE
FOOD INDUSTRY
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
RENEWABLE ENERGY
TOURISM
CONSTRUCTION
MANUFACTURING
FINANCE
EDUCATION

OVERVIEW OF UASIN GISHU COUNTY

Vision
A prosperous and attractive County in Kenya and beyond

Mission

To serve and improve peoples livelihoods through good leadership, innovative technology
and efficient infrastructure.
1.1 Introduction
This catalogue contains investment information on Uasin Gishu County indicating the
sectors, resources, size, physiographic conditions, demographic profiles, administrative and
trade support institutions. It also provides information on infrastructure and land use.
Additional information is also provided on other important aspects such as climate,
employment, sources of income, access to health, nutritional status, literacy level and
community development.
1.5 Administrative and Trade support institutions
Uasin Gishu County is divided into six sub-counties: Turbo, Soy, Ainabkoi, Moiben, Kessess
and Kapseret. The sub-counties are divided into 30 wards, and comprises of further
subdivided into fifty one locations and ninety seven sub-locations. The trade support
institutions in the county include; Chamber of commerce, Kenya Association of
Manufacturers, Export Promotion Council, Kenya Investment Authority, Kenya National
Farmers Association, National Cereals and Produce Board.
1.6 Demographic Features
According to the 2009 Population and Housing Census, the total population of Uasin Gishu
County stood at 894,179. At an inter-censual population growth rate of 3.8%, the total
population is projected to grow to 1,211,853 by 2017. The population growth rate is higher
than the national growth rate at 2.9%. The population density is 267 persons per sq. Km.
which is expected to increase to 362 persons per sq. km. by 2017. This will have
implications on the average size of land holding.
In 2012, the population age group between 0 to 14 years was 41.4% of the total; while the
economically active age group of between 15 and 64 years accounted for 55.7% of the total.
This implies that the County has a high dependency ratio and a high potential for labour
force. The age group under one year is projected to grow from 29,175 in 2009 to 39,539 by
2017, while that aged between 2 and 5 years is expected to grow from 162,559 in 2009 to
220,311 by 2017. This implies that the County must expand child and maternal health
services and those for Early Childhood and Development Education (ECDE).
The youth also fall in the reproductive age groups of between 15 and 49 years
which are projected to grow from 227,089 in 2009 to 307,766 by 2017. This
will imply that the County invests more in reproductive health programmes
aimed at reducing fertility in the light of the prevalent high dependency ratio
coupled with high population growth rate. The age group between 16 and 64
years which constitutes the labour force, is expected to grow from 497,808 in
2009 to 674,663 by 2017.

1.7 Infrastructure and Access

Uasin Gishu has an extensive road network comprising of over 300 Kms of tarmac roads,
549 Kms of marrum and 377 Kms of earth roads. It also boasts 179 Kms of railway line with
8 railway stations. In addition, there is an inland container depot. The Moi International
Airport and two airstrips are also located in Uasin Gishu easily making it the regions service
hub.
The County enjoys about 95% mobile phone coverage which is provided by all the major
service providers in Kenya. It also has 16 post offices, 4 sub-postal offices and nine licensed
service couriers. It is connected to the fibre optic cable thus, giving it access to fast internet
connectivity. The availability of these services confirms the Countys potential for fast
economic development and an attractive location for investment.
With regard to financial services the County has also witnessed significant growth. It has a
branch of the Central Bank of Kenya, 21 Commercial banks, 108 urban and 4 rural Saccos;
and 5 major micro financing institutions.
The education facilities are fairly developed with 2 public universities namely, Moi University
and University of Eldoret. It also has 2 private universities and constituent colleges of major
universities. There is also a National Polytechnic, a Technical Training Institute and several
private commercial colleges. In terms of basic education, there are 576 ECD centres, 422
primary schools and 129 secondary schools.
Currently, 30 trading centers, 33 secondary schools and 12 health centers are not connected
to electricity. Firewood remains the main source of cooking fuel accounting for 84% of the
households. The over-dependence on firewood has negative implications on existing forests
raising the need to plant trees in designated areas for wood fuel; and to connect more
households to the National Grid. More effort is also required to connect electricity to all
trading centers, schools and health facilities.
There are 102 trading centres with six of them being urban centres and towns. The six are
Burnt Forest, Matunda, Turbo, Moiben, Kesses and Kapsaret. The urban centres have
emerged and grown without proper physical planning. Undesirable developments including
informal settlements have mushroomed with their growth. The infrastructural facilities
including roads and water supply are insufficient to meet the demands of the growing
populations.
Of the built houses in the County, 45.6% are mud-walled or use wood as the main walling
material. Houses built using brick or blocks account for 25.4% while mud/slash cement
account for 18.1%. The main roofing materials are corrugated iron sheets which account for
84.4%.

1.8 Land and Land Use

The Uasin Gishu County has an average land holding of 5 hectares in rural areas, and 0.25
of hectares within Eldoret Municipality. Land use practices vary considerably across the
County. In 2012 there were 919 landless households distributed in various schemes, with
Turbo settlement scheme accounting for 658 households; Jabali settlement Scheme 161
and Maili Tisa 100. Some of the landless are squatters living in gazetted forests; immigrants
from other counties; and those who become landless by virtue of selling family land.
1.9 Agricultural Activities
Uasin Gishu County covers an area of 3,327Km2 with a human population of 894,179 and
202,000 households (NPC 2009). It has six sub-counties; Turbo, Soy, Moiben, Ainabkoi,
Kesses and Kapsaret, 30 wards, 51 locations and 100 sub-locations. Arable land covers
2,995 sq km, while 332.78 is non- arable (hilly and rocky), 23.4 sq km is water mass and 196
sq km is urban. Vegetation range from open grassland with scattered acacia trees, to natural
highland forests and bush land. It has 3 ecological zones (AEZ) (lower highland, upper
highland and upper midland) as shown:-

Ideal location: Located in the centre of the

Skilled Labour Supply: The County is known
Kenya, the County provides the advantage of
for its highly skilled labour supply that is
easy access to markets in the UAE, EAC and serves
surrounded by several learning institutions. The
as a bridge to the markets in Europe.
peoples of the Region are also fluent in key languages:
English, Kiswahili and the local languages.
Accessibility: The County has an international
Diverse Investment Opportunities: The
airport with daily links to direct flights to the USA,
County has garnered critical acclaim as a Mecca
Canada, the UK and several other countries in
for tourism with significant investments in that
Europe, as well as South America. Accessibility by road and related sectors. However, there are a number of
via the world renowned EAC regional hub is also an other competitive sectors including: information
advantage allowing for easy access to raw materials communications technology/business process
and equipment.
outsourcing, financial services, agri- business and the
creative industries with 19 diverse territories to choose
from.
Openness to trade: Uasin Gishu County have
Flexible Incentives: The County has a
preferential access to some of the largest
platform to offer incentives, some of which can
markets in the world. A few Regional Free Trade
be customized, providing the best opportunity
Agreements are in place
for investors.
Modern Infrastructure: Electricity and water
Ease of Doing Business: Of 5 states, in the
supply is constant and affordable.
East Africa countries Kenya has been highly
Telecommunications and broadband in- ternet
ranked in the Ease of Doing Business Report
access is available and a ready supply of natural gas 2012 by the World Bank in 3 critical areas: Protecting
can also be easily accessible from within the Region. Investors - 2nd; Getting Electricity 2nd; and
Land and office space are available at cost-effective Dealing with Construction Permits 1st (regional
rates.
averages).
Economic & Political Stability: The County is
Responsive investment promotion experts:
known for its stable democracies and economic
The County is host to a number of Trade
development. This provides the assurance of a
Support Institutions that have awards from
secure location to do business and raise families.
recognised World Trade Promotion Foras. Their
competent inquiry handling services and excellent web
sites are available for investors to tap into.

INVEST IN
TOP 10 REASONS TO UASIN GISHU
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INVESTMENT AREAS IN AGRICULTURE

1.2

Production and processing of medicinal herbs

Greenhouse production
Construction of refrigerated storage facilities
Production of fertilizers
Seed farming
Apiculture
Aquaculture
Production of meat products
Establishment of mills
Floriculture and ornamental plant production
Establishment of broiler enterprises
Pedigree cattle farms
Production of nurseling
Production of fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, passion fruits, cherries, avocados, tomatoes, grapes,
cucumbers, greens, early potatoes, tea leaves, citrus fruits, onions, etc.)
Establishment of stock-farm for milk production and processing purposes
Development of veterinary services
Horticulture

Overview
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the economy in Uasin Gishu, a county
that is considered as one the earliest sites of human agricultural activity. The fertile lands,
abundance of water and climatic diversity create favourable conditions for a strong
agricultural sector.
The years of fast development in the national economy have led to a rapid growth in
consumption and changes in consumer tastes in the food and beverage sector. Being one of
the leading producers of agricultural goods in Kenya, Uasin Gishu seeks to further develop
its agriculture and food industry for import substitution as well as for export.

1.3

INVESTMENT AREAS IN FOOD INDUSTRY

Production of tomato paste

Production of fruit juices
Packaging and labelling
Production of meat and meat products
Poultry production
Production of dairy products
Production of sunflower oil
Honey processing and packaging
Production of mineral and natural water and packaging
Potato processing (production of potato chips, potato flour, etc.)
Confectionery production
Bakery and floury products
Production of frozen fruits and vegetables
Nuts processing facility
Production of child food
Establishment of passion fruit processing manufacture
Wine production
Canned fruits and vegetables production
Production of dried fruit and berries
Production of mayonnaise, ketchup and other sauces

1.4

INVESTMENT AREAS ENERGY SECTOR

Overview
Alternative and renewable energy sector is quite new and promising area of the economy. Overall annual energy
output in Uasin Gishu accounts to several billion KWt/h. Uasin Gishu has plenty of potential to generate
electricity using wind power. There is great potential to raise effectiveness of use of the energy resources of the
country by involving the following renewable energy sources:
Wind power
Solar energy
Biomass energy
Reasons to invest in Energy sub sector:

High potential and rich resources of alternative and renewable energy

Governments profound interest in developing the sector
State Strategy on use of Alternative and Renewable energy sources
Successfully implemented pilot projects
Openness to foreign companies

Investment areas Alternative Energy

Production of solar panels
Production of wind turbines
Establishment of wind farms
Production of wind valves
Production of windmill blades
Production of wind battery charger and converters
Production of solar photovoltaic panels
Establishment of solar water heaters
Production of solar lanterns
Production of flat plate collector
Production of solar modules

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1.5

INVESTMENT AREAS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Overview

The construction sub sector has improved greatly since the establishment of the County Governments
sector in the last few years. The large capital investment in local infrastructure related to buildings and
road projects evolved this business area into a very competitive sector with increasing number of
strong local and foreign companies able to deliver the highest international standards in construction.
There are currently significant opportunities for construction:
quality brand hotels in the County to serve the region
tourism complexes
logistical warehouses
production of new types of construction materials
development of architectural and engineering services
introduction of state of the art construction technology

Reasons to invest construction

Increasing demand in residential construction

market
Growing income of population and concessional
loans
Local production of required construction materials
Significant industrial, agricultural and transport
projects
Influx of business travelers and foreign tourists
causing
major demand in hotel sector
Continuous reforms and strategies to boost the
sector

Construction investment areas

Production of building finishing materials
Production of construction materials
Construction of brick factory
Production of steel
Construction of logistical warehouses
Production of cement concrete blocks
Fabrication of construction machinery

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Main developing subsectors

residential sector
hotel sector
office sector
warehouse sector
infrastructure

1.6 INVESTMENT AREAS IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Overview
The manufacturing sector is one of the most dominated by the small medium enterprises embracing both formal
and informal business in the County. It contributes half of the GDP in the country includes mainly metal
fabrication, woodwork, food industry, textile industry and other areas. The main directions of state policy in the
field of industry include the modernization and reconstruction of equipment facilities, increasing the
competitiveness of national products, introduction of new technologies and know-how, attraction of investments
and encouraging the processing industry development.

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2.0

COUNTY PRIORITY SECTORS:

a) Agro processing- (Dairy products, leather products, animal feeds, Bee products, Fish products,
Poultry products, Rabbit products, Meat products, Food processing)
b) Tourism (hospitality & Tour operators)
c) Sports- (sportswear & Equipment, Academies, Gyms,)
d) Metal Fabrication and Wood work
e) Services (ICT, Hairdressing, Mechanics, Cobblers, Electricians, Plumbers, Florist &
Landscapers, Transport)
f) Building & Construction (Brick & Block making)
g) Renewable Energy- (Solar, Biogas, Wind energy, Briquettes, energy saving Technology)

3.0. LIST OF EXISTING INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS IN THE COUNTY

NAME OF FIRM
Eldoret Grains
Unga Ltd
Seven Hills Mineral Water
Sirikwa Quarry
Sisibo Millers Ltd
Skyline Pure Water
Tic Tic Global Ltd
Unik Valley Spring
Kenit Ltd
Feed Masters
Jumbo North E.A. Ltd
Sirikwa Quarry
Buffalo Millers

ADDRESS
123 Eldoret
106 Eldoret
5254 Eldoret
4104 Eldoret
6609 Eldoret
734 Mois Bridge
9277 Eldoret
482 Eldoret
142 Eldoret
4851 Eld
665 Eldoret
4104 Eldoret
4890 Eldoret

PHYSICAL LOCATION
Iten Road
Muliro Street
Eld Nrb Highway
Baharini - Eld
Eldoret Town
Mois Bridge
Kipkorgot
Eldoret Town
Uganda Road Eld.
Cheptiret Centre
Iten Road , Kimumu
Eldoret, Baharini
Kimumu

ACTIVITY
Milling
Milling
Bottling water

Buffalo Millers

4890 Eldoret

Kimumu

Milling

Donny Feeds
Eldonatt Bakery Ltd
Rai ply Wood Ltd
Rivatex Ltd

1806 Eldoret
488 Eldoret
488 Edoret
4744 Eldoret

Pioneer Estate
Eldoret Town
Uganda Road
Kisumu Road

Pauls Bakery
K. C.C. Eldoret
Rupa mills
Donyo Lessos Creameries Ltd
Wareng Saw Mills
Steel Mill
Kenyacom Rabbits Consortium Ltd
.(KCRC)
MACE Foods

291 Eldoret
609 Eldoret

Uasin Gishu

Uganda Road
Dakar road,industrial area
Uganda Road
Eldoret Town
Eldoret
Eldoret Industrial Area
Kipkorgot - Eldoret

Uasin Gishu

Eldoret KIE Shade

Mois Bridge Dairy

Uasin Gishu

Mois Bridge

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Milling
Water Bottling
Carbon dioxide
Water Bottling
Knitting
Milling
Scrape metal
Balast, gravel
Milling

PRODUCT
Unga, (Dola)
Unga (Exe)
Bottled water
Gravel
Animal Feeds
Bottled water
Gas
Bottled water
Garments
General Feeds
Metal
Building material
Maize flour, Animal
feeds

Maize flour, Animal

feeds
Milling
Animal feeds
Bakers
Bread & Products
Wood milling
Wood Products
Textile Manufacturing Cotton & Polyester
material
Bakers
Bread & Products
Milk processing
Milk products
Textiles
Cotton material
Milk processing
Milk
Wood processing
Wood Products
Steel Processing
Steel Products
Rabbits Urine Extract Foliar Feed
Fertilizer
Processing of Chillies Chillies and
and Vegetables
Vegetables
Milk Processing
Fresh Milk,
Yorghurt, Butter

4.0
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)

POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS BASED ON

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Vegetable processing
Soya, maize & sunflower oil processing
Mushroom processing
Grading and packaging of farm produce
Cereal Flour milling
Animal feeds processing
Organic fertilizer making
Briquette making
Milk processing
Root and tuber processing
Fruit processing
Manufacture of packaging materials
Honey processing
Water bottling
Block and brick making

p) Fabrication of equipment for value addition

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