Export Processing Zones Authority Kenya Declared Best Small Trade Stand at Meru National Show

Mr. Hussein Adan Mohamed, Ag. Chief Executive Officer receives two trophies from staff members of the Investment and Corporate Communications Directorate, EPZA. During the Meru National Show held from 31 May 3 June 2023, the Export Processing Zones Authority Kenya was declared the best small trade stand in the commercial and industrial category. At the Machakos National Show held from 7 10 June 2023, EPZA emerged as the winner of the stand that best interpreted the Show theme in non agro-based and financial industry category. As part of EPZAs inward–bound investment promotion and public sensitization activities, the Authority hosted members of the Youth Champions for SDGs at EPZ Athi River for the first-ever EPZA Youth Forum. The Forum was graced by Mr. Ismail Maalim, Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Mr. Richard Cheruiyot, Board Chairman, EPZA. Also in attendance was Mr. Hussein Adan Mohamed, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, EPZA, Mr. George Mbogo, Director Youth Affairs Development, State Department for Youth Affairs and Mr. Stephen Odua, Director, Business Environment and Private Sector Development, State Department for Investments Promotion. The Forum provided a platform for engagement between Government Agencies, EPZ enterprises and the youth with a focus on sharing information on trade and investment promotion and facilitation. EPZA enterprises that participated in this forum were Acacia EPZ Limited, Gum Arabic processor, Harvest Circle EPZ Limited engaged in avocado and avocado oil processing and Kentegra EPZ Limited, a biotechnology company specializing in the production of organic insecticide pyrethrum for home biocide, agricultural and pharmaceutical pesticide markets. The interactions with representatives from the EPZ enterprises presented the Youth with opportunities to connect and engage for mentorship purposes as well as future access to internship and employment opportunities. The #Endperiodpovertycampaign fronted by Senator Gloria Orwoba received a major boost from three EPZ enterprises as part of the efforts of ending the stigma attached to menstruation. Apparel manufacturers, New Wide Garments EPZ Limited and Royal Garments Industries located at EPZ Athi River donated sanitary towels and cash in kind in support of the noble cause that is aimed at avoiding period shaming and keeping the girl child in school during her period days. Container Technology Limited (CONTECH), specializing in the conversion of marine containers into habitable space; through its subsidiary Modular Real Estate EPZ Limited, donated a 20-fit sea container which will be used as a Pad Bank for future storage. County Executive Committee (CECs) members from Muranga, Busia, Kirinyaga and Uasin Gishu County Governments visited EPZ Athi River to familiarize themselves with the EPZ program. EPZ Athi River is a perfect industrial zone model of a proposed program undertaken by the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI) and the County Governments. Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Busia, Uasin Gishu and Nyamira Counties have been identified by MITI as Flagship EPZ Manufacturing Hubs. The establishment of industrial zones in the earmarked Counties is expected to spur a significant impact on the local economy and create thousands of jobs. Huawen Food Kenya EPZ Limited, an EPZ enterprise located in Shimoni, Kwale County has exported its first batch of Anchovies (Dagaa) to China. Huawen, a local Kenyan subsidiary of the Jinzai Food Group Company Limited is engaged in the processing, drying and packaging of anchovies harvested and bought from local fishermen in Kwale County. The flagging-off ceremony was witnessed by Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and Governor Fatuma Achani. Others present during the ceremony were Issa Boy, Kwale Senator, Fatuma Masito, Kwale Woman Representative and Liu Zhiyong, Director, Huawen Food Kenya EPZ Limited.