The government through the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) is planning to create more than 37,361 employment opportunities.
According to the media reports, EPZA is planning to expand its operations thus the need for an increased labor force.
Between January and August 2023, EPZA created 33,931 jobs out of its 52 new projects initiated during this period.
In this EPZA’s expansion plan, the apparels and agro-processing will create the largest job opportunities with 9,384 and 4,822 slots respectively after the expansion.
Further, other sectors in the expansion plan are construction with 13 new projects, pharmaceuticals, plastics, business processing, outsourcing, fisheries, wooden joinery, warehousing, and packaging.
Speaking to the Nation, EPZA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussein Adan Mohammed said the expansion programme has attracted 13 investors interested in different areas.
Further, Mohammed said the Authority is planning to expand its market jurisdiction past the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) market.
Additionally, the CEO issued a 90-day lease termination notice on 68 undeveloped plots of land in Athi River.
Moreover, Mohammed explained that EPZ land is meant for manufacturing adding that he will not allow investors holding on to land for years.
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Government focuses on Manufacturing
In March 2023, Investments and Trade Cabinet secretary Moses Kuria said the government was planning to improve the competitiveness of EPZs to boost local manufacturing and create more job opportunities.
According to CS Kuria, the government was planning to create at least four million jobs annually from EPZ’s.
CS Kuria was speaking during the launch of a Ksh.3.7 billion project to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) link to Athi River EPZ.
“Upon completion, this proposed railway siding will provide convenient, timely and cost-effective way of transportation of cargo for EPZ enterprises within Athi River zone, attracting more investors both local and international,” said Kuria.
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About EPZA
EPZA is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry (MITI), established in 1990 by the EPZ Act CAP 517, Laws of Kenya.
Further, it provides information and advice on aspects pertaining to EPZ program.
The Mandate of the EPZA includes:
- Development of all aspects of the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) with particular emphasis on the provision of advice on the removal of impediments to, and creation of incentives for, export-oriented production in areas designated as export processing zones.
- Regulation and administration of approved activities within the export processing zones.
- Protection of government revenues and foreign currency earnings.