An Italian investor has been identified to fund the establishment of the proposed multimillion Vihiga granite factory in Vihiga County.
The project is among the key projects that were launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta during his visit in the county and Kakamega. The Head of State launched gold processing and refinery factory in Kakakmega County. The other 15 projects launched during the tour included water projects, roads and issuing two universities with full charters.
The granite factory will be set up Emuhaya sub-county. The ambitious project is aimed at turning the available huge stones into economic value,boosting development and creating jobs. The investor was picked following an international expression of interest floated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining late last year.
Potential of Vihiga
The factory will be built at Buyangu in Emuhaya along the busy Kisumu-Busia highway on a 10-acre land parcel that was handed over to the national government by Dr Ottichilo’s administration last year.
Dr Ottichilo said the potential of his county to host the factory was established by experts after it was found that 30% of Vihiga’s land is covered by stones. The governor said stones are also available in the neigbouring Siaya and Bungoma counties, making Vihiga ideal and central for granite processing.
“The land where the factory will be established has been inspected by experts from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining and approved for the construction of a granite factory. We have the potential to host the factory as raw materials are available. The president will launch construction of the factory during his tour. Thirty percent of our land is stony. It is time to start the work. The investor will be here to do the job,” said Dr Ottichilo.
