The first phase of the revival of PanPaper mills is due for commissioning. President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
The once East Africa giant paper miller went under in 2004 due to heavy debt. Kenyatta later April 2016, announced plans to revive it, after selling it to a 'strategic investor' at the sum of Sh900 million, beating five other bidders.
The investor, Tarlochan Limited, a subsidiary of Rai Group of Companies, said it would pump in Sh6 billion to reopen the Webuye-based factory.
The plant was to be commissioned in September, but Uhuru said it would likely be commissioned, December 2016.
"We remain on course to industrialize. Plants that had once lain dormant have been refurbished,'' Uhuru said during 53rd Jamhuri day fete.
"And by the time we meet again to celebrate Jamhuri, the revival of Rivatex will be complete,'' he added, Monday.
Rivatex is an East Africa textile factory based in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Speaking at the Nyayo National Stadium, he noted the objective of all such efforts was to create a sufficient number of jobs for the young people in the Country.
"The opportunities are here. That’s why we see new plants in Kenya,'' said the president.