Governor Jack Ranguma has said the opening of the new Crown Paint factory in the county is a boost to regional trade.
The governor who spoke on March 3, during the opening of the factory situated at Kisian along Kisumu-Busia Road said Kisumu has become a focal point for trade in East Africa, and the decision by Crown Paint to decentralise their production to the area was a blessing.
The Sh400 million plant is strategically located to exploit the potential of the region and increase value added products in the paints industry that will support construction and other infrastructural developments.
“This investment comes at a time when we are working on revitalising the lake transport annd awakening the lakefront development which are all meant to facilitate trade within East Africa. Hence this is a big step towards achieving that goal,” said Ranguma.
Crown Paints has established a production plant in Kisumu, in a move aimed at easing access of the Western Kenya market, as well as aid its expansion in East Africa.
The automated plant will require at least 25 employees to work in its initial stages, but the number is expected to grow to 500 once training on painting starts.
“We are also optimistic that the bringing of this factory to this area is a plus to the vibrant construction industry in the area which will not need to travel all the way to Nairobi to get paints,” said Ranguma.