Eldoret, a vibrant town in the heart of Uasin Gishu County, is rapidly transforming into a regional business powerhouse. The city’s potential was on full display this week at the Eldoret International Business Summit 2025, where government officials, investors, and business leaders gathered to discuss the future of trade, investment, and manufacturing in the region. Key announcements by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Willy Kennei, the Chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Chamber of Commerce, and Richard Cheruyot, the Chairman of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), underscored Eldoret’s position as an emerging business hub in Kenya.
Governor Bii, who was the chief guest at the summit, emphasized Eldoret’s burgeoning potential as a destination for international business. He pointed to the county's strategic location, growing infrastructure, and the successful implementation of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) as a catalyst for investment.
“Eldoret is not only a hub for business, it is a destination of choice. The EPZ is already on the ground, and we are building on this foundation to create opportunities for both local and international businesses,” Governor Bii told an enthusiastic crowd of entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials.
The Governor underscored that Eldoret, which serves as a vital agricultural region, is now positioning itself to be a key player in Kenya's manufacturing sector. He spoke about the county’s efforts to offer local businesses the space and tools they need to showcase their products and connect with the global market.
A Gateway for Exporters and Entrepreneurs
As part of its ambitious growth plans, the Uasin Gishu government has introduced significant incentives for businesses looking to set up in Eldoret. Among the key announcements was a tax holiday for businesses operating in the EPZ until they reach the break-even point, a move designed to ease the burden on new businesses and encourage investment.
Governor Bii also highlighted the county's agricultural prowess, noting that coffee, tea, avocado, macadamia, and other cash crops are already being produced at a high volume, with plans to increase exports significantly.
“Our farmers are the backbone of this county. We are diversifying agricultural production, and through better logistics, we will ensure these products can reach international markets faster, thanks to Eldoret International Airport,” he said, referring to the city’s state-of-the-art airport that has become a key export gateway.
The Governor also pointed out that air traffic into Eldoret has been steadily increasing, with weekend flights often fully booked, indicating a strong demand for both business and leisure travel. He stressed that this increase in connectivity was a clear indication that Eldoret was gaining global attention as a business hub.
“The flights coming into Eldoret show that the world is paying attention. This is only the beginning. We are ready to take our place as a global player,” Governor Bii added.
The Economic Growth of Eldoret: A Community Vision
Willy Kennei, Chairman of the Uasin Gishu Chamber of Commerce, echoed the Governor’s remarks and underscored the significance of Eldoret’s elevation to city status, which has brought with it increased attention from investors, both local and foreign.
“Today marks an important milestone for Eldoret, not just as a city but as a rising economic force. We have seen increased investor interest at this summit, and the momentum is only building,” Kennei said. He noted that Eldoret’s infrastructure development was rapidly catching up with its growing economic aspirations.
Kennei highlighted the ongoing extension of Eldoret International Airport’s runway by 500 meters, a move that will significantly enhance the airport’s capacity to handle larger aircraft and accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic. The runway extension, alongside improved fueling infrastructure, addresses past challenges and positions Eldoret as a key transport hub in the region.
The Chairman also pointed to Eldoret’s proximity to East African ports, which makes it strategically located for businesses seeking to trade both regionally and internationally. He noted that airfare from Eldoret to destinations like Dubai is cheaper than from Nairobi, a significant advantage for businesses in Eldoret looking to expand globally.
“Eldoret’s infrastructure is growing rapidly. The expansion of the airport, the construction of industrial parks, and the development of our agricultural value chains make this city an ideal place for investment. We encourage businesses to come and see the opportunities firsthand,” Kennei said.
EPZ: A Key Catalyst for Agro-Processing and Manufacturing
Richard Cheruyot, Chairman of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), also spoke at length about the government’s role in supporting manufacturing and agro-processing, particularly in the North Rift region, which is the country’s breadbasket. Cheruyot explained that the EPZ in Eldoret would not only serve the local community but also act as a center for the entire North Rift region.
“Eldoret sits at the heart of agricultural activity in the North Rift. The government is committed to ensuring that this region is at the forefront of agro-processing and manufacturing. This is part of our broader agenda to support local industries and make Kenya a global manufacturing hub,” said Cheruyot.
He emphasized that businesses operating in the EPZ will benefit from tax incentives, including a 10-year tax holiday, designed to attract manufacturers in industries such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. EPZA has already set aside 11,000 square meters of industrial space for businesses, and for those who miss out, subsidized land will be made available to help companies expand their operations.
“The new EPZ in Eldoret will be a one-stop center where businesses can get all the support they need to start and grow. We will provide guidance on licensing, raw material supply, and logistics,” Cheruyot added.
The EPZA chairman urged local entrepreneurs to take full advantage of these opportunities, noting that the success of the EPZ would depend on the region’s ability to consistently supply raw materials to meet market demand.
A Bright Future for Eldoret and the North Rift
As the summit continues over the next three days, Uasin Gishu’s leaders are optimistic about the future of the region. The combination of improved infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and government incentives has created a fertile ground for business, and all eyes are on Eldoret as it steps into a new era of economic growth.
“We are not just talking about potential; we are seeing it unfold. Eldoret is primed for investment, and the time to act is now,” Governor Bii concluded, as he encouraged businesses from across Kenya and beyond to take part in Eldoret’s rise as a regional economic powerhouse.
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