By Ebi Kesiena
President William Ruto has announced that the government is adding five more special economic zones in Kenya.
Speaking on Friday, Ruto said Kenya will be able to attract more foreign investments because of the special economic zones.
According to President Ruto, the government will provide incentives for investment in these special economic spaces.
“We are establishing these special economic zones across Kenya. We are going to have another five special economic zones in Sagana, Thika, Nakuru, Eldoret and Busia as a first phase.
“It is our expectation that companies will find the reason for them to work with private sector companies from elsewhere globally, to establish their operations, manufacturing and capabilities in Kenya,” Ruto said.
Additionally, the President said that all locally manufactured products will be given a priority both in the government and in the public sectors.
“All the products that we manufacture in Kenya will be given the priority in procurement of all government pharmaceutical requirements.
“Progressively, we are going to make it the responsibility of all other actors both public and private to make sure that we prioritise the purchase of locally manufactured products including pharmaceuticals,” he added.
President Ruto also pledged to allocate land to the Athi River Special Economic Zone to boost its operations adding that provision of additional land would lead to the creation of employment for many youths.
